Lemon Basil Lemonade

Directions

1. 1
   {"0":"Muddle fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a large pitcher.","1":"Add lemon juice (and pulp), lemon zest, and simple syrup.","2":"Vigorously stir in 4 cups cold, filtered water and serve in tall","3":"glasses or Mason jars with lots of crushed or cubed ice.","5":"Note: I like my lemonade with all of the lemony bits in it. Strain","6":"out the pulp if that's not your thing. Whatever you do, please","7":"don't omit the zest - it transforms this lemonade from good to","8":"great!","10":"LEMON BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP","12":"From Drinking the Summer Garden, by Gayla Trail","14":"Simple syrup is a versatile way to flavor and sweeten all","15":"kinds of drinks. You can substitute the lemon basil with","16":"another variety, or go in a different direction entirely with","17":"herbs such as mint, anise hyssop, and lemon verbena.","19":"3\/4 cup sugar","20":"1\/2 cup lemon basil leaves, loosely packed","22":"Bring sugar and 3\/4 cup water to a simmer in a saucepan","23":"on a medium heat and continue stirring until the sugar has","24":"dissolved completely.","26":"Add the basil and simmer for 1 more minute.","28":"Remove from heat and cover with a lid. Allow the mixture","29":"to continue steeping at room temperature for 2-4 hours or","30":"Overnight.","32":"Strain into a glass bottle and store in the fridge for up to 1","33":"month"}