Summer is officially here in North Carolina! And it is HOT. I am talking rosy, flushed cheeks just walking to the car. (Texas people, you get this. I interned in Houston one summer, so hot!) Anyway, lemonade seems just the fix on a hot day.

We are growing our first container garden and my herbs were ready for use. So I tried mixing lemons with basil and the result was amazing: tangy, spicy, a touch sweet. I used sparkling water but you could easily swap that will still water.

Sparkling Basil Lemonade (makes 2 servings)

Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients
1 cup lemon juice (about 7 squeezed lemons)

Basil Simple Syrup (recipe below)

1 cup sparkling mineral water

Ice

Lemon and Basil for garnish

Basil Simple Syrup
1/2 bunch fresh basil (about 30 sprigs)

3/4 cup sugar

1 cup water

Directions
In saucepan combine basil, sugar, and water an summer at least 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Crush the basil a bit with spoon while you stir. Cool 15-30 minutes then strain.

Mix fresh lemon juice, basil simple syrup, and sparkling water in pitcher. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Mix with ice and serve with garnish.

The simmering basil syrup gives a wonderful aroma. I crushed the leaves a bit as I stirred to ensure a basil flavor. I also lessened the sugar from the original recipe. It was still delightfully tangy and sweet.