Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Make 1 gallon.

Ingredients :

• 1 cup water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced 
• 1/2 cup tightly packed basil leaves
• 2 cups fresh lemon juice 
• 3 � quarts cold water 
• Sliced strawberries, for garnish 
• Basil leaves, for garnish

Directions :

1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add strawberries and basil and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep until completely cool. Strain the strawberry mixture and discard the solids.
2. In a one-gallon container, add lemon juice, water and strawberry basil syrup.  Stir until well mixed.  Stir in additional garnishes, if desired. Pour lemonade over a glass of ice, and top with a sprig of basil.