Italian Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 C. water
• 1 1/2 C. (375 g) sugar
• 2 bunches coarsely chopped basil, about 2 C.
• 2 C. (500 ml) lemon juice
• Add 12 C. (3 liters) sparkling or filtered water

Instructions

1. Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from heat.
2. Add the basil leaves and set aside to steep for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid into a pitcher; add the lemon juice and chill.
4. Add the sparkling water and pour over ice to serve. Taste the lemonade after adding about 8 C. (2 liters). Some like the lemonade stronger than others, so find the strength you like.