Sekanjabin

A sweet-and-slightly-sour mint drink, this can be traced back to 16th century Persia. Other herbs, like thyme, lavender or rosemary may be substituted for different flavors.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 32
• Yields: 1 qt

Ingredients

• 4  cups sugar
• 2 1⁄2 cups water
• 1  cup red wine vinegar or 1  cup white wine vinegar
• 1⁄4 lb mint leaf

Directions

1. Dissolve sugar in water in a medium pot.
2. When it reaches the simmer, add the vinegar and mint. Simmer slowly for 30 minutes.
3. Strain into a storage bottle. Can be kept at room temperature indefinitely if sealed.
4. To drink, mix 2 tablespoons of syrup with 1 cup of cold or hot water.
5. Sugar-free variation: Increase water to 3 cups. Simmer water, mint and vinegar for 30 minutes. When cool, add 80-90 1-gram packets (to taste) of aspartame-based sweetner (Equal or similar brand).