Tangerine Thyme Cooler

Photo: Thomas J. Story
Oakland cookbook writer Bryant Terry, author of Vegan Soul Food and The Inspired Vegan, whipped up this refreshing, not-too-sweet drink for us one afternoon in his home kitchen. It makes a lot, but you'll find yourself drinking glass after glass of it, especially on a hot day.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Mix sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Strip leaves from three-quarters of thyme and add leaves to sugar mixture. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Strain into a large pitcher.
Step 2
2
Juice 11 tangerines and add juice to pitcher. Add ice and 8 cups water.
Step 3
3
Slice 2 tangerines thinly, removing seeds, and add to pitcher with remaining quarter bunch of thyme sprigs.
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw cane sugar
1 bunch fresh thyme, divided
13 large tangerines (such as honey tangerines) or oranges, divided
6 cups ice