Savory Spiced Soda

Ingredients:
4 whole star anise
1 tablespoon pink peppercorns
1 teaspoon whole allspice
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 bunch fresh thyme
1 (2-inch) strip lemon zest
ice cubes
1 liter chilled club soda

Directions:
Heat a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat. Add the spices and stir to toast for 2 minutes or until you smell the spices begin to toast.

Add the water and sugar and bring to a simmer. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the fresh thyme and the lemon peel. Cover, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes remove from heat and let cool.

To serve, fill 4 cocktail glasses with ice. Add 1/4 cup spiced simple syrup to each glass and top with club soda. For an alcoholic version, start with a shot of gin, then add the syrup and top with club soda.

Yields: 4 servings

Thanks to: Janet Johnston, Savory Spice Shop co-founder and host of Food Network's Spice & Easy.