basil watermelon lemonade

this sounds like a total crap-shoot recipe.

at least, i thought it was.

but, don’t let the unlikely ingredients make you wary. they make the loveliest of love nests in your mouth and leaving you feeling refreshed.

mix up a generous batch for fourth of july festivities. use melon balls as garnish!

1 c. water
3/4 c. sugar
1 c. thinly sliced fresh basil
8 c. cubed seeded watermelon
1/2 c. fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)

Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Stir in basil; chill 1 hour. Strain sugar mixture through a sieve over a bowl, and discard basil.

Place watermelon in a blender; process until smooth. Pour watermelon puree through a fine sieve into a large bowl, reserving liquid; discard solids. Combine watermelon liquid, sugar mixture, and juice in a pitcher; chill.