Looking for something different to serve this summer?
Try Sparkling Lemon Basil Water. Simple, refreshing, organic, and you control the sweetness. Make an adult punch by adding vodka, tequila, or rum.
First make a simple syrup:
- Heat 1 cup water and one cup sugar. You can do this on the stove top or the microwave. It only needs to hot enough to melt the sugar – about 120 degrees. You do not need to boil this. A hot water dispenser is hot enough to melt the sugar.
- Remove from heat and add a cup of basil: leaves and stems rough chopped. Set aside and let cool.
- Once cooled, strain and add 2 cups fresh lemon juice.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups into you favorite pitcher or container.
- Add 2 quarts sparkling water. Stir and taste. If you would like it sweeter, then simply add more of your lemon sugar mix.
- Top with a handful of basil leaves that have been rinsed and dried and a sliced up lemon.
- For the adult version, add a cup of vodka to the pitcher, then add the lemon sugar, and 5 cups sparkling water.
- Serve over ice with a sprig of basil and a slice of lemon.
Light, refreshing, delicious, and easy. That’s what I call a home run!!!
Copyright 2013 Tracy Lauth
This looks so refreshing. What type of basil do you recommend.
You can use any type of basil. I use sweet basil. Thai basil is ok but tends to turn black in the lemon water.