Ingredients

1 cup water
2 cups sugar
1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup tightly packed basil leaves
2 cups fresh lemon juice
3 ½ quarts cold water
Sliced strawberries, for garnish
Basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves. Add strawberries and basil and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep until completely cool. Strain the strawberry mixture and discard the solids.

In a one-gallon container, add lemon juice, water and strawberry basil syrup.  Stir until well mixed.  Stir in additional garnishes, if desired. Pour lemonade over a glass of ice, and top with a sprig of basil.

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen