Recipe: Strawberry Basil Lemonade

It's hot out there!  Cool off with this delicious summer treat.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Yields 8-10

2 C Sugar

1 Lb Strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ C Tightly packed basil leaves

2 C Fresh lemon juice

14 C Cold water

Ice, for serving

Sliced lemons, for garnish

To make the strawberry-basil simple syrup, bring 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add the strawberries and basil, cover, and immediately remove from heat.  Let steep until completely cool. Strain the strawberry mixture and discard the solids.

In a 1-gallon container, add the lemon juice, 14 cups cold water and the strawberry basil syrup. Stir until well mixed. Pour the lemonade over a glass of ice, and top with a slice of lemon.

If you want to make this a grow-up summer treat, add 16 oz. of your favorite vodka.

Pro Tip:  The longer you let the simple syrup steep, the more intense flavors you will develop.