Strawberry-Basil Lemonade

(Courtesy of Family Circle)

 

Ingredients:
2 c. strawberries, hulled and diced, plus extra for garnish (optional)
1 c. plus 2 Tbsp. sugar
Rind of 1 lemon (carefully removed with a peeler, making sure not to include the white pith)
1/2 c. fresh tightly packed basil leaves, plus extra for garnish (optional)
1 1/2 c. fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)
1 c. vodka (optional)

Directions:
Combine the strawberries and 2 Tbsp. sugar; set aside.  

In a small, lidded pot, combine 1 c. water, 1 c. sugar, lemon rind and basil over medium-high heat.  Stir until sugar dissolves.  Cover, remove from heat and steep 10 minutes.  Strain and cool.

In a pitcher, stir together strawberries, lemon juice, lemon-basil syrup, 2 c. ice and 2 c. cold water (if you are using vodka; only add 1 c. cold water and then add 1 c. vodka).  Fill 8 glasses with ice and pour lemonade into each.  Garnish with extra strawberries and basil, if desired.