RECIPE: Strawberry Basil Lemonade

I recently took a trip to Nashville, TN and enjoyed walking around the Gaylord Opryland Resort. I ate at a wonderful restaurant named Cascade's where I enjoyed a strawberry basil lemonade. It might be the dead of winter, but who doesn't love a great summer drink year round? Check out this easy recipe. 

 Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup basil (or mint)
• 1 cup lemon juice (~4-6 lemons)
• 1 cup simple syrup*
• 4 cups water
• ice/sugar to taste

Directions

1. Puree the strawberries and basil in a food processor or blender and optionally strain through a fine mesh sieve.
2. Mix the strawberry and basil puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, water and ice and enjoy.

Simple syrup: Simmer 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and chill before using.

Tip: Add gin or other alcohol for an adult version.