LOVAGE SODA

Lovage Soda image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 7

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4 cups fresh lovage leaves (about 2 ounces), torn into small pieces, plus 12 lovage stems, trimmed to 10-inch lengths, for "straws" (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon coarse salt
2 1/2 cups water
Ice, for serving
72 ounces seltzer (8 cups), chilled

Steps:

Place lovage leaves and lemon juice in a large nonreactive bowl and gently smash with the end of a thick wooden spoon or wooden rolling pin until leaves begin to bruise. Add sugar and salt and continue muddling to release the herb's essential oils, about 30 seconds.
Bring the water to a boil. Stir lovage mixture into boiling water, remove from heat, and let infuse 20 minutes.
Pour syrup through a fine sieve into a bowl; discard solids, then refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes. Fill glasses with ice, add 3 tablespoons syrup to each, and top off each with 3/4 cup seltzer. Garnish drinks with lovage straws and serve immediately.