Refreshing Thai Basil Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 cup Thai basil leaves, lightly torn
• 1 cup ice cubes

• 4 slices lemon
• 4 sprigs Thai basil

Method

1. 01
   In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water over medium heat.
2. 02
   Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved to form a simple syrup, then remove from heat.
3. 03
   Add the Thai basil leaves to the simple syrup and let them steep for 10 minutes for infusion.
4. 04
   Strain the basil leaves from the syrup and discard the leaves.
5. 05
   In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, basil-infused simple syrup, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water.
6. 06
   Stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
7. 07
   Add ice cubes to the pitcher to chill the lemonade.
8. 08
   Pour the lemonade into glasses filled with additional ice if desired.
9. 09
   Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of Thai basil before serving.
10. 10
    Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors.