Basil Vodka Gimlets

Directions

1. 1
   Syrup: Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
2. 2
   Let stand at room temperature, covered, 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until cold, about 1 hour.
3. 3
   Strain syrup through a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids.
4. 4
   Syrup keeps, covered and chilled, 5 days.
5. 5
   Gimlets: Stir together all ingredients in a pitcher until cold, then strain into 8- to 10-ounce glasses (such as Old Fashioned) half filled with ice.