Ingredients

• 4 whole star anise
• 1 tablespoon pink peppercorns, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 bunch fresh thyme
• 1 (2-inch) strip lemon zest
• Ice cubes
• Gin, optional
• 1 liter chilled club soda

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Instructions

1. Watch how to make this recipe.
2. Heat a stainless steel saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the spices and stir to toast for 2 minutes. Add the water and sugar. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Add the thyme and lemon peel, cover, reduce the heat, and let simmer for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes remove from the heat, let steep and come to room temperature. Chill before using.
3. To serve, fill 4 cocktail glasses with ice. Add 1/4 cup spiced simple syrup to each glass. Top with 1 ounce gin, if using and the club soda.