Whiskey and White Peppercorn Syrup

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
• 16 whole white peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon Irish whiskey, Cognac or bourbon
• 1/4 cup finely slivered lemon zest

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
2. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean; add the seeds and bean to the pan along with the peppercorns.
3. Simmer over moderate heat until reduced to 1 cup, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the whiskey and lemon zest and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Cool to room temperature, then strain.

water, sugar, vanilla bean, irish whiskey, lemon zest

Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/whiskey-and-white-peppercorn-syrup (may not work)