24 Street Spritz

 

An herbaceous, refreshing—and alcoholic—take on Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray soda.

 

4 celery stalks, chopped

1 C. sugar

¼ C. celery seeds

 

1½ C. gin

⅓ C. fresh lemon juice

Seltzer or club soda

8 celery heart stalks (from 2 bunches)

8 lemon wedges

 

CELERY SYRUP: Bring celery, sugar, celery seeds, and 2 C. water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until celery is soft and liquid is reduced by half, 30–35 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, pressing on solids. Strain celery syrup again, if desired, through cheesecloth-lined sieve (to make liquid clearer). Syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.

 

COCKTAIL: Stir gin, lemon juice, and 1 C. celery syrup in a large pitcher. Divide among glasses filled with ice and top off with seltzer. Garnish with celery stalks and lemon wedges.