How to Make Italian Lemonade

Cool and refreshing

Made with fresh lemons and just a hint of basil for flavor, Italian lemonade gets its sweet taste from simple syrup. Italian lemonade is the perfect cool drink on a hot summer day!

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 bunch fresh basil, washed and stemmed
• 2 cups lemon juice (12 to 15 lemons)
• 2 cups sparkling water (regular water can be substituted)

Instructions

1. To make the flavored simple syrup, place sugar, water, and basil into a saucepan. Bring to boil, and then simmer about 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. The water should be clear.

2. Remove from the heat and take out the basil. If necessary, pour through a sieve to ensure all pieces of basil are removed. Cool the mixture and then refrigerate.

3. Squeeze the lemons to make 2 cups of juice, and pour the juice into a pitcher. Add 2 cups sparkling water or regular water to the pitcher.

4. Pour the chilled simple syrup into the lemon juice and stir. Chill in the refrigerator.

5. 

   Add ice and a lemon wedge to each glass and pour in the lemonade. Cheers!