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Georgian Tarragon Lemonade

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Georgian tarragon lemonade with pale green liquid, ice, tarragon, and lemon in simple glasses and a carafe.
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Tarragon lemonade, often called tarkhuna, is a popular Georgian soft drink known for its fresh herbal aroma and lively green color.

A homemade tarragon syrup keeps the flavor natural, while lemon and sparkling water make the finished drink bright and refreshing.

Cool the syrup completely before adding sparkling water so the drink keeps its carbonation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve very cold over ice with lemon and a small fresh tarragon sprig.

Sparkling water being mixed into pale green Georgian tarragon lemonade syrup in a glass pitcher.

Recipe Notes

Make the syrup ahead, but mix in sparkling water only shortly before serving.

Georgian tarragon lemonade with pale green liquid, ice, tarragon, and lemon in simple glasses and a carafe.

Georgian Tarragon Lemonade

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Sparkling Georgian-style tarragon lemonade with fresh herbs, lemon, and a pale green homemade syrup.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Steeping and Chilling 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 glasses
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Georgian
Calories: 170
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

Tarragon Syrup
  • 2 cups fresh tarragon leaves and tender stems loosely packed
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
To Finish
  • 5 cups cold sparkling water
  • 3 cups ice cubes
  • 1 medium lemon thinly sliced
  • 6 small sprigs fresh tarragon for serving

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Blender
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Glass pitcher

Method
 

Make the Syrup:
  1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat just until dissolved. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Blend the warm syrup with the tarragon for 20 seconds. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer without pressing hard.
Mix and Chill:
  1. Stir the lemon juice into the tarragon syrup and chill until cold.
  2. Combine the syrup with sparkling water in a pitcher shortly before serving, stirring gently to preserve the bubbles.
Serve:
  1. Pour over ice and garnish each glass with a thin lemon slice and a small tarragon sprig.

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 44gSodium: 15mgSugar: 42g

Notes

  • Fresh tarragon varies in strength; start with three-quarters of the syrup and add more to taste.
  • The syrup keeps refrigerated for five days; add sparkling water only when ready to serve.

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