Ingredients

• 4 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup celery seeds
• 1 1/2 cups gin
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• Seltzer or club soda
• 8 celery heart stalks (from 2 bunches)
• 8 lemon wedges
• Cheesecloth (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring celery, sugar, celery seeds, and 2 cups 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).
2. DO AHEAD: Syrup can be made 2 weeks ahead. Cover and chill.
3. Cocktail: Stir gin, lemon juice, and 1 cup celery syrup in a large pitcher. Divide among glasses filled with ice and top off with seltzer. Garnish with celery stalks and lemon wedges.
4. Stir gin, lemon juice, and 1 cup celery syrup in a large pitcher. Divide among glasses filled with ice and top off with seltzer. Garnish with celery stalks and lemon wedges.