We are doing a spring detox over here and during that week we are not drinking any alcohol. Recipes like this are really satisfying, with minimal effort. If you are reducing refined sugars you can substitute honey or other natural sweeteners, or forget them all together. If you have a kitchen garden, here’s a great way to use those herbs.

Tips:

• Honey syrup: Add 1/2 cup honey and 1/2 cup water to a small saucepan over medium heat. (You can experiment and decide how much of a honey flavor you want in your syrup. The more honey you use, the thicker the syrup and stronger in flavor it will be.) Stir until blended. Strain into a jar and seal tightly with a lid. Will keep for 1 month in the refrigerator.

Cucumber, Mint, and Basil Soda

Originally from Bon Appétit

Makes 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups Simple Syrup (click for recipe)

1/2 large cucumber (about 8 oz.), thinly sliced crosswise, plus 12 slices for garnish

24 fresh mint leaves plus 12 sprigs for garnish

12 fresh basil leaves

6 cups soda water, divided

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring 1 1/2 cups simple syrup to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove pan from heat and add cucumber slices (reserving 12 for garnish), 24 mint leaves, and basil.

2. Cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain cucumber-herb syrup into a jar, pressing on solids in strainer.

3. Fill a 12-oz. glass with ice cubes. Add 2 Tbsp. syrup and top with soda water (about 1/2 cup). Stir to combine.

4. Garnish with cucumber slice and sprig of mint. Repeat to make 11 more sodas.