Lemony Fresh Herb Cooler

Submitted by admin on Mon, 08/17/2009 - 22:30
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Summary

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Description

This refreshing cooler is a great highlight for any summer party.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 2 cups (packed) basil leaves and small sprigs

  • 1 cup (packed) cilantro leaves and small sprigs

  • 1 cup (packed) mint leaves ans small sprigs

  • 2 tablespoons tarragon leaves

  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • Cold club soda

  • lemon twists and mint sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer for 5 minutes; let the syrup cool.

In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar syrup with the basil, cilantro, mint, tarragon, lemon zest and lemon juice, and puree. 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 ¼ cup of the fresh herb syrup over cracked ice and fill with club soda. Garnish the drinks with a lemon twist, mint sprigs, and serve.

Variation:
To make a cocktail, add half a shot of vodka and half a shot of rum to each drink.