Cucumber Mint And Basil Soda - cooking recipe

Ingredients

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

Preparation

Bring water and sugar to a boil to make simple syrup.
Keep 1.5 cups in a small saucepan and remove pan from heat.
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 tablespoons 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.