This herbal tisane is especially restorative and relaxing when taken in the evening as the days get cooler and the nights get longer. Wrap yourself in your Afghan and settle into fall.

A shrub is a Colonial Era beverage made with a sweetened vinegar base diluted with water, seltzer, wine, or spirits that is enjoying a renaissance. Make it with sparkling water for the church social, with a still or sparkling wine for a summer afternoon refresher that is a bit racier. We are infusing the fruit and vinegar with basil for added complexity. Tarragon or lemon verbena would be good variations. This recipe is readily adaptable to many summer fruits and berries.

Start your Labor Day festivities off with a preview of fall’s flavors.  There are teetoatler and spiked versions.