Serves: 10

Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

18-ounces red/purple shiso leaves, washed and trimmed 

2 cups water 

1/2 cup sugar 

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 

Still or bubbly water for serving

Directions:

First, make the

syrup. Bring the 2 cups water to a boil. Add the shiso leaves. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the leaves for 2 minutes, or until they change color from purple to green.

Drain the leaves over a bowl to retain the water. Squeeze excess water out of the leaves. Add the liquid back to the saucepan and simmer. 

Add the sugar. When dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vinegar. Whisk together.  

Wait for the syrup to cool. Store in a sterile container for up to six months. 

To make the refresher, add a 1/4 cup of syrup to 8-ounces of still or bubbly water. Add ice and garnish with mint, ginger, or lemon slices. 

Recipe adapted from Chopstick Chronicles

Photo credit: Chopstick Chronicles