THYMELESS LEMON MARTINI

2 cups water
2 cups granulated sugar
zest of 1 lemon
12 fresh thyme sprigs
1/2 cup lemon-flavored vodka
1/4 cup Limoncello

To make the herb-simple syrup for the martini, combine the water, sugar and lemon zest in a saucepot over medium heat.  Bring to a simmer, stir to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat.  Add the thyme to the hot simple syrup and allow it to steep while for 1 hour to infuse the herb flavor. Strain the mixture and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

In a martini shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, Limoncello and 4 tablespoons of the herb-syrup.

Shake well and strain into 4 chilled martini glasses.