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Purple Basil Lemonade
 
recipe image
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Ready In: 15 Minutes
Servings: 4
From Cooking Light Magazine's July 2009 edition: In this recipe, basil is crushed with sugar to release the oils. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, process the basil, sugar and about 1/4 cup of water in a food processor or blender. I am eager to serve this at my next party. The recipe doesn't indicate this, but I would personally place the strained lemonade into a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve. When having a party, it's always best to prepare ahead if possible!
Ingredients:
4 cups water
1/2 cup lemon juice, fresh
1/2 cup purple basil, leaves, loosely packed (about 1/4 oz.)
6 tablespoons sugar
4 cups ice
4 sprigs purple basil
Directions:
1. Combine water and juice in a large bowl.
2. Place 1/2 cup basil and sugar in a mortar; pound with pestle until a paste forms.
3. Add sugar mixture into juice mixture; stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Strain mixture through a sieve over a bowl; discard solids.
5. Place 1 cup of ice in each of 4 glasses.
6. Pour about 1 cup lemonade into each glass; garnish each serving with 1 basil sprig.
By RecipeOfHealth.com