Lemonade Slushies with Mint and Lemon Verbena

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 1 1/4 cups water
2. 1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons sugar
3. 1/4 cup dried lemon verbena leaves
4. Zest of 2 lemons, cut into 3-inch-long strips, plus 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
5. 1/2 cup mint leaves
6. 2 cups ice

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water with the sugar and bring to a simmer over low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add the dried lemon verbena leaves and the strips of lemon zest and simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and mint and let stand at room temperature until cool. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 20 minutes.
3. Strain the lemon mixture into a blender along with the ice. Blend on high speed until smooth and frothy. Pour into tall glasses and serve right away.