Basil Lemonade

This is the perfect antidote to many things: a hot day, a dull afternoon, a sense of ennui directed at ordinary beverages, writer’s block.

 

Basil Lemonade for 4

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup simple syrup, cooled
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, sans stem
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 4 shots gin

Mix the lemon juice, simple syrup and water in a pitcher.

Add 4-5 basil leaves and a generous amount of ice to four highball glasses. Pour one shot of gin in each glass and top with the lemonade. Stir with a swizzle stick. Sweet and subtle.


Alternately:

  • Muddle the basil leaves before adding the ice.
  • Freeze the basil in ice cubes prior to making the drink.
  • Use a low-calorie lemonade mix, like Crystal Light.

 

To make a simple syrup:

  • Bring 3/4 cup water and 3/4 cup granulated sugar to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, stir and remove from heat. Let cool.
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