Botanical Infusion

Name: Botanical Infusion
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 16 servings (3/4 cup each).
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 2 cups sugar; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves; 2 tablespoons minced fresh lemon verbena; 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil; 2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme; 2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary; 2 bottles (1 liter each) club soda, chilled; 3/4 cup citrus vodka; Ice cubes

Summers mean cookouts in our family. I wanted to use fresh herbs to create a refreshing beverage that had simple ingredients and could accompany any grilled meal. This was the tasty result. —Jennifer Kutsch, Newport News, Virginia

Ingredients

4 cups water
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons minced fresh lemon verbena
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
2 bottles (1 liter each) club soda, chilled
3/4 cup citrus vodka
Ice cubes

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring the first seven ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; strain. Transfer to a large bowl and cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Pour syrup into a large pitcher; stir in club soda and vodka. Serve over ice.