Brilliantly Balanced Turkey Brine

Ingredients

• 1 cup kosher salt (240 g)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (100 g)
• 1 gallon (4 liters) water, divided
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns (6 g)
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries (6 g)
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)