Basil Lemonade

Directions

1. 1
   In a 1 1/2 to 2 Qt glass bowl, combine basil leaves and sugar.
2. 2
   With a wooden spoon, crush leaves with sugar until thoroughly bruised;
3. 3
   add water and lemon juice,
4. 4
   Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes;
5. 5
   Taste and add more sugar if desired.
6. 6
   Pour through a strainer into ice-filled glasses.
7. 7
   Garnish with sprigs of fresh basil.
8. 8
   *Note:The type of basil you use will contribute to the'personality' of this drink.
9. 9
   Dark purple basil tints the lemonade pink and has a milder flavor than green varieties.
10. 10
    Lemon basil adds a lemon-drop essence.
11. 11
    Cinnamon and Thai basils make this more spicy.