Basil-Infused Watermelon Lemonade

Cook time: 10 Min Prep time: 1 Hr 10 Min Serves: 6-8 people
Ingredients
1 c water
3/4 c sugar
1 c fresh basil. thinly sliced
8 c watermelon, cubed and seeded
1/2 c fresh lemon juice – about 3 lemons
Directions
1. Combine 1 cup of water and sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the basil. Let chill for 1 hour. Strain sugar mixture through a sieve over a bowl, and discard basil.
2. Place watermelon in a blender; process until smooth.
3. Pour watermelon puree through a fine sieve into a large bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids. Combine watermelon liquid, sugar mixture, and juice in a pitcher; chill.
4. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and basil sprigs and serve! VARIATION: Add about 8 ice cubes to the watermelon before blending. Do not strain when done. The result is more like a frozen lemonade or virgin margarita.
Last Step: Don’t forget to share!