• Make-Ahead

Ingredients

1. 1 quart water
2. 1 cup sugar
3. 5 star anise pods
4. 5 allspice berries
5. Three 3-inch cinnamon sticks
6. 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped

Directions

1. Combine the water, sugar, star anise pods, allspice berries, cinnamon sticks and vanilla bean and seeds in a large saucepan and simmer over moderately low heat for 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain the syrup and chill.

Make Ahead

The syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.