BASIL GIN LEMONADE

BASIL GIN LEMONADE image

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 bunch basil
1 cup sugar
2 cups gin, such as Bombay Sapphire
1 1/2cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons), plus 1 lemon, thinly sliced crosswise
3/4cup triple sec
1 orange, thinly sliced crosswise
Ice

Steps:

1.Reserve a handful of the basil leaves plus 8 small sprigs to use as garnish. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups 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. 2.In a pitcher, combine the basil syrup, gin, lemon juice and triple sec. Stir in the basil leaves and lemon and orange slices. Serve in tall glasses over ice, topped with a sprig of basil.