Sekanjabin Syrup

The ancient Persian oxymel — sugar cooked with vinegar and finished with mint. A mint-vinegar cordial that's one of the oldest soft drinks on earth.

Ingredients

• Sugar2 cups
• Water1 cup
• White Wine Vinegar0.5 cup
• Fresh Mint Leaves1 cup

Directions

Simmer 2 cups sugar with 1 cup water until dissolved. Add 1/2 cup white wine vinegar and simmer 10 minutes. Off heat, steep a large handful of mint 30 minutes, then strain.

Notes

A true historical preparation, not an invention. Cook the sugar and vinegar to a light syrup, then steep fresh mint off the heat so it stays green.