Many of my cocktails begin with a simple syrup, and this one is no different.

A simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water. You can flavor the syrup by adding any number of different herbs, including rosemary, lavender, sage and (our herb of choice today) lemon verbena. To enhance the lemon taste, I'm throwing in a few slices of lemon peel as well.

You can make a big batch of simple syrup and drizzle it on fruit, use it as poaching liquid or mix it into cocktails.

To make this cocktail that much more special, rim the glass with lemon sugar! You start by making lemon candy, which is tasty on its own.