GINGER-TEA LEMONADE WITH BASIL

Ginger-Tea Lemonade with Basil image

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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3 black tea bags, such as English breakfast tea
2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
1 1/3 cups Ginger Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice (from 3 to 4 lemons)
1 cup sparkling water, chilled
2 cups ice
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Ginger Simple Syrup
1 cup sugar
1 (3-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
(makes 1 1/2 cups)

Steps:

In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil over high heat. Remove the pan from the heat and add the tea bags. Stir and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and discard.
Lay the basil leaves on a cutting board and cover with a sheet of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, roll over the basil to bruise the leaves. Remove the plastic wrap and add the bruised basil to the tea. Pour in the ginger simple syrup and lemon juice. Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour.
Just before serving, add the sparkling water to the tea mixture. Place the ice in a large pitcher and pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices, if using, and serve.
Ginger Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup water, and the ginger over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain before using.