Basil Lemonade

A friend served a version of this basil lemonade at a party.  It was a hot day and the lemonade was really refreshing and the basil flavor was a nice surprise.  I found a random recipe online and tried it.

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
6 cups water
2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 10 lemons)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into large pieces

Directions:
Make simple syrup by placing 1 1/2 cups sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved.  Add the basil leaves to the hot mixture and set aside to cool.

Place freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large pitcher.  Add 4 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of the simple syrup (or more to taste).  Add some sliced lemons and basil leaves for garnish.  Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.