Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Yesterday was a typical Portland day.. rain, gloom, and then more rain and gloom. I actually love it when it’s like that, but I’m also looking forward to a hot summer day, sitting on the porch, and sipping ice cold lemonade! Weather is too unpredictable and I’m far too impatient, so I made a big batch of strawberry basil lemonade yesterday to remind myself that summer is right around the corner!

…..

Ingredients:

1 cup water

1 ¾ cup sugar

1lb of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

½ cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 5-6 large lemons)

Ice for serving

Sliced lemons and strawberries for garnish

Recipe adapted from Paula Deen

(1.) Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add strawberries and basil and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. (2.) Remove from heat and let steep until completely cooled down. About 45 minutes to an hour. (3.) In a large pitcher, add lemon juice and 7 cups of cold water. (4.) Strain strawberry and basil mixture over the pitcher and toss the cooked strawberries. Or don’t! I saved mine to use as a chutney on top of chicken!