Celery Basil Syrup (Batch Recipe for a Hugo

Description: This syrup is herbal, vegetal, and fragrant—designed to elevate your Hugo Spritz riff with the crisp flavor of celery and aromatic notes of basil. It follows the standard technique for making simple syrup, but uses fresh celery and basil to impart vibrant garden flavors. The celery shines, with basil as a supporting note. Ingredients (yields about 500ml syrup): - White granulated sugar: 250g - Water: 250g - Fresh celery: 200g (roughly chopped, include stalks and leaves if possible for extra aroma) - Fresh basil leaves: 15g (lightly packed; about 2 large handfuls) Method: 1. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir to dissolve, then bring to a gentle simmer. 2. Add the chopped celery and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to extract the flavor but not reduce the liquid. 3. Remove from heat. Add the fresh basil leaves, stir, and let everything steep together for 20 minutes. 4. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing the solids to extract as much flavor as possible. 5. Allow to cool, then bottle and refrigerate. Use within 2 weeks for peak freshness and vibrancy. Suggested Glass for the Hugo Spritz Riff: Serve your cocktail in a large wine glass or balloon glass filled with ice, to best showcase the aromatics of your new celery basil syrup.