Savory Spiced Soda

• 4 whole star anise
• 1 tablespoon pink peppercorns, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 bunch fresh thyme
• 1 (2-inch) strip lemon zest
• Ice cubes
• Gin, optional
• 1 liter chilled club soda

1. Heat a stainless steel saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the spices and stir to toast for 2 minutes.
3. Add the water and sugar.
4. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
5. Add the thyme and lemon peel, cover, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. After 5 minutes remove from the heat, let steep and come to room temperature.
7. Chill before using.
8. To serve, fill 4 cocktail glasses with ice.
9. Add 1/4 cup spiced simple syrup to each glass.
10. Top with 1 ounce gin, if using and the club soda.

star anise, pink peppercorns, whole allspice, water, sugar, thyme, lemon zest, cubes, gin, club soda

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/janet-johnston/savory-spiced-soda-recipe.html (may not work)