Instructions

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