Makes about 8 drinks
The combination of fresh basil, cilantro, mint and tarragon makes an unusually refreshing drink.
2 cups water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups [packed] basil leaves and small sprigs
1 cup [packed] cilantro leaves and small sprigs
1 cup [packed] mint leaves and small sprigs
2 Tablespoons tarragon sprigs
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Cold club soda
lemon twists and mint sprigs for garnish
In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes; let the sugar syrup cool.
In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar syrup with the basil, cilantro, mint, tarragon, lemon zest and lemon juice. Puree this mixture. Let stand for 1 hour, then strain through a coarse sieve, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
For each drink, pour 1/4 cup of the fresh herb syrup over cracked ice and fill with club soda. Garnish the drinks with a lemon twist and mint sprigs and serve. Refreshing!