Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme or even tarragon and basil hold up much better if you want to decorate your vinegar bottle with a fresh sprig or two. Tarragon and basil become pickled and can be used in a recipe as you would use fresh. You can even give them a rinse if you don't want too much of a vinegar taste. Here is the finished vinegar. I had a tasting for my last audience and they liked it! No, they didn't have a shot of vinegar! They dipped a sugar cube into the vinegar and then sucked the flavor from the sugar cube. It works quite well. I think it is a beautiful color and the taste is peppery from the flowers, leaves and peppercorns. It adds an additional layer of flavor to a meat or vegetable stew.
