Herb Infused Syrup
Thyme Lemon Soda made with Thyme Infused Syrup
As I pondered what fresh herb recipe to post this week, I came upon a recipe for simple syrup (similar to the one included in my Iced Tea post) that is flavored with lemon peel. This made me wonder if it was possible to make a syrup infused with herbs to flavor iced tea or other beverages. I tried out two different syrups today, thyme and basil, and the results were delicious! The herbs left just a hint of flavor in the syrup but it was enough to lend a very distinctive flavor to iced tea. I also tried adding the syrup to some sparkling water to create kind of a homemade Italian soda and it was very unique and refreshing. These syrups are totally easy to make and would also be great for mixing cocktails; can’t wait to try that out! I would love to hear any other ideas readers have for using flavored syrups, other herbs or flavorings to try or any other fresh herb recipes you think I should try out.
Herb Infused Syrup
Makes about 1 cup of syrup
Ingredients:
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh herbs such as basil, thyme or mint
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1. Place all the ingredients in  a small saucepan, stirring gently  a few times to combine. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to boil. Continue to boil for a few more minutes or until all the sugar has dissolved. Turn off heat and let syrup cool to room temperature.
2. Strain the cooled syrup through a fine mesh sieve into an airtight container. Use to sweeten iced tea, lemonade or other cold beverages. Will keep for a few weeks in a cool, dry place.
Thyme Lemon Soda
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon Herb Infused syrup (recipe above)
1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup chilled San Pellegrino or other sparkling water
For garnish  (optional): strips of lemon peel, thinly sliced lemon or sprigs of herbs
1. Pour the syrup and lemon juice into a glass and stir with a spoon or small whisk to combine. Carefully add the sparkling water to the glass and stir gently with a spoon. Garnish as desired and drink immediately.
When A Connie and U Steve were out here last we went to a restaurant called Ozzie’s. I don’t usually order a pre-dinner drink, but one of our friends there with us was raving about a drink the restaurant made that had rosemary and cucumber with lemon vodka ( I think it was vodka). It was amazing. I think the rosemary and cucumber were in a simple syrup as it had a touch of sweetness.
What a great idea to have an herb and lemon simple syrup with San Pellegrino! That sounds so refreshing!
Thanks for the recipes .. I am going to try them out. In the old South, you would see women sipping on rose water .. always wondered if that was difficult to create.. Now adding a little flavor to home made ice tea.. Let you know how it comes out