Name: Cucumber, Mint, and Basil Soda
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups Simple Syrup (click for recipe); 1/2 large cucumber (about 8 oz.), thinly sliced crosswise, plus 12 slices for garnish; 24 fresh mint leaves plus 12 sprigs for garnish; 12 fresh basil leaves; 6 cups soda water, divided

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Simple Syrup (click for recipe)
1/2 large cucumber (about 8 oz.), thinly sliced crosswise, plus 12 slices for garnish
24 fresh mint leaves plus 12 sprigs for garnish
12 fresh basil leaves
6 cups soda water, divided

Steps

Bring 1 1/2 cups simple syrup to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove pan from heat and add cucumber slices (reserving 12 for garnish), 24 mint leaves, and basil. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain cucumber-herb syrup into a jar, pressing on solids in strainer. Fill a 12-oz. glass with ice cubes. Add 2 Tbsp. syrup and top with soda water (about 1/2 cup). Stir to combine. Garnish with cucumber slice and sprig of mint. Repeat to make 11 more sodas.