Mom's Basil

Inspires me to make one of these.

Basil Lemonade 

2 cups basil syrup
2 cups cold water
1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice

In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, 2 cups cold water, and 2 cups of the basil syrup. To serve, pour into glasses filled with ice cubes.  Makes 6 to 8 cups.

Basil Syrup

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2 cups cold water
1 cup sugar

Bring basil, sugar, and water to a boil in a medium saucepan stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and let stand for 1 hour.  Makes 2 to 3 cups.

Transfer the syrup to a container and refrigerate until cold. Once thoroughly chilled, strain the syrup through a sieve pressing down on the solids. Discard the solids.

*Recipe adapted from Gourmet Magazine