Citrus Spice Syrup

A delicious base for all kinds of drinks! Place chopped pineapple or lemon along with some mint in a glass. Muddle (mash), add citrus spice syrup, top with club soda or/and drink of choice. For a party, put out bowls of blueberries, chopped kiwi and mangoes, strawberries, etc. Have fun! Adapted from Bon Appetit magazine( May 2006)

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 2  cups water
• 2  cups sugar
• 2  oranges, zest of, cut in strips
• 1  lemon, zest of, cut in strips
• 6  whole cloves
• 2  cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Bring ingredients to a boil on medium high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and cover. Let steep about 1 hour.
4. Strain the syrup into a small pitcher; discard the solids in a strainer.
5. Cover and chill in refrigerator until cold, about 3 hours.
6. May be made up to a week ahead. Keep chilled.