Basil Mint Lemonade

Last week my house smelled like a lemony delicious wonderland while I slaved away on a large batch of Basil Mint Lemonade! Fresh lemons from the tree in my backyard, basil off the plant; the only thing I had to buy was a small bunch of mint. After tasting this scrumptiousness, I think I'll start growing mint too!

This is my own freshly contrived recipe. I promise it will knock the socks off your BBQ/baby shower guests this summer (and forever, because you're going to love it).

Basil Mint Lemon Syrup*

• 3 cups packed fresh basil sprigs
• 2 cups packed fresh mint leaves
• 5 cups water
• 2.5 cups sugar
• 12 large (4"x1") strips of lemon zest, or the equivalent if you have smaller lemons

Place all ingredients in a large pot and boil on medium-high, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Cover and remove from heat. Allow the ingredients to steep at room temperature for 1 hour, then move to an air-tight container and refrigerate until cold (1-2 hours). Strain the syrup through a sieve, pressing hard to reserve as much syrup as possible, then discard the solids.

Basil Mint Lemonade

• 2 cups basil mint lemon syrup
• 2 cups cold water
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice

Stir all ingredients together until mixed. Serve over ice in tall glasses and garnish with fresh basil, mint leaves, lemon zest strips, or lemon slices. Makes one tall pitcher of lemonade. 

*One batch of Basil Mint Lemon Syrup will make three large pitchers of Basil Mint Lemonade!

There is nothing more refreshing than fresh squeezed lemonade on a toasty hot day. Yum! Whip some up and let The Sassy Pepper know what you think. I predict you will love it.

Enjoy!