Sweet Basil Lime-Aid

Sweet Basil Lime-Aid
Sweet, tart, and earthy.

2 quarts cold water

¾ c fresh squeezed lime juice
½ c water
½ c sugar
8-10 fresh basil leaves, whole
Sliced lime and basil sprigs, for garnish

First do this:

In a small sauce pan, combine ½ c water and sugar.  Bring to a boil and remove from heat.  Immediately add the basil leaves, steep for about 10 minutes.  Remove wilted basil.  Chill.

Then do this:

Combine 2 quarts cold water, lime juice, and basil syrup.  Stir. 

Serve it like this:

Over ice in a tall glass.  Garnish with a slice of lime and a sprig of basil.

If you’re goin’ rogue:

Use lemon instead of lime!  Use a few sprigs of  thyme instead of basil!

Keep this in mind:

Fresh herbs are a must here.  Otherwise you will be fishing little specks of basil out of your teeth.  Not sexy.

If you use thyme, the leaves may fall off the sprigs during the steeping process.  Just strain these out before chilling.