Non Alcoholic Citrus Coolers            


8 cups cold water
2 cups sugar
4 star-anise pods, crushed
Two 4-inch-long pieces of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into thin coins
2 cups loosely packed mint leaves
2 quarts fresh grapefruit juice
1 quart fresh orange juice
1 quart fresh lime juice


1. In a saucepan, combine 4 cups of the water with the sugar, star anise, ginger and mint. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let stand for 30 minutes. Strain the syrup and refrigerate.

2. In a very large pitcher or bowl, stir together the grapefruit, orange and lime juices. Stir in the syrup and the remaining 4 cups of water. Serve over ice.

MAKE AHEAD The syrup can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Makes 12 servings