My New Favorite Summer Drinks

Now that summer is here, I've been enjoying some new drink concoctions. They're not only delicious, but healthy!

I purchased my herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs. The shipping can be a little pricey, but if you compare prices with a health food store, its about the same price or less. There are tons of other places online to buy herbs as well, so none of what I listed is too hard to find.

Ginger Ale

(yup, you can actually make your own!)

You will need:

- Fresh or dried ginger root (I used dried)

- Sweetner (natural sugar is best)

- Lemon and/or lime juice

- Carbonated water

- Mint (optional)

Instructions:

- Boil ginger in water for 10-15 minutes (aim for a concentrated mixture)

- Strain the ginger and add sugar (be generous, since it will get diluted)

- Let the mixture cool or add some ice to cool

- Add the concentrated ginger/sugar mix to carbonated water, lemon or lime juice to taste, and ice

- Drink!

Lavender and chamomile iced tea

You will need:

- Lavender flowers

- Chamomile flowers

- Sweetner

- Water

Instructions:

- Boil water and steep chamomile and lavender for 7-10 minutes

- Strain and add sweetner

- Pour over ice

- Enjoy!