Teresa's Recipes
Tarhun (Georgian Tarragon Soda)
Experience the essence of Georgian summers with Tarhun, a vibrant and refreshing tarragon-flavored soda that embodies the spirit of convivial gatherings. Known for its invigorating green hue and delicate sweetness, this homemade beverage offers a delightful balance of herbal and citrus notes. The bright flavor of fresh tarragon combined with zesty lemon juice creates an aromatic concoction that's perfect for hot days or festive occasions. Historically cherished in Georgian culture, Tarhun is often served at family celebrations, making it not just a drink but a refreshing toast to togetherness and tradition. Enjoy it over ice, garnished with a sprig of tarragon for an elegant touch!
Ingredients
- 1 cup, packed Fresh tarragon
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed Lemon juice
- a few drops (optional) Green food coloring
- for serving Ice
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 8
- Dish Type: Beverage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 0g
- Carbs: 27g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Sugar: 25g
Instructions
- Wash the fresh tarragon thoroughly and pat it dry. Remove the tender leaves from the stems, discarding any tough stems.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and stir until completely dissolved to create a simple syrup.
- Add the tarragon leaves to the pot and allow them to steep in the hot sugar water for about 5 minutes, infusing the syrup with their aromatic flavor.
- After steeping, remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.
- Once cooled, strain the tarragon-infused syrup into a large pitcher, discarding the tarragon leaves.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice for a refreshing tang. For a vibrant green color, add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until well combined.
- Chill the Tarhun in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve over ice for a refreshing treat, garnished with a sprig of tarragon if desired.
Tips
- For a sparkling version, mix the tarragon syrup with sparkling water instead of still water just before serving.
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of sugar to 3/4 cup.
- Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.