Basil Gin Lemonade

By á-7972

Ingredients

• 1 bunch basil
• 1.5 c sugar
• 2 c gin, such as Bombay Sapphire
• 1.5 c fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons) plus 1 lemon, thinly sliced crosswise for garnish
• 3/4 c triple sec
• 1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise for garnish
• ice

Preparation

Step 1

Reserve a handful of basil leaves plus 8 small sprigs to use as garnish. In a medium saucepan, bring 1.5 c of water, the sugar and the remaining basil to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate until cold. Strain into a clean container, pressing down on the basil to extract any liquids; discard the basil.
In a pitcher, combine the basil syrup, gin, lemon juice and triple sec. Stir in the basil leves and lemon and orange slices. Serve in tall glasses over ice, topped with a sprig of basil.