Lemony Fresh Herb Coolers

• MAKE-AHEAD

Ingredients

1. 2 cups water
2. 1/2 cup sugar
3. 2 cups (packed) basil leaves and small sprigs
4. 1 cup (packed) cilantro leaves and small sprigs
5. 1 cup (packed) mint leaves and small sprigs
6. 2 tablespoons tarragon leaves
7. 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
8. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
9. Cold club soda
10. Lemon twists and mint sprigs, for garnish

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves. Reduce the heat to moderate and simmer for 5 minutes; let the sugar syrup cool.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar syrup with the basil, cilantro, mint, tarragon, lemon zest and lemon juice and puree. Let stand for 1 hour, then strain through a coarse sieve, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
3. For each drink, pour 1/4 cup of the fresh herb syrup over cracked ice and fill with club soda. Garnish the drinks with a lemon twist and mint sprigs and serve.