Basil Lemonade

Since the weather started warming up I've started making iced tea again.  Then yesterday I was contemplating the nearly empty pitcher and new bag of lemons and started thinking lemonade.  Then I came across this post on the Kitchn and had to try it (although I made some changes, mostly with the sweetener).

Recipe:
4 cups water
3 cups fresh basil
Peel from 2 lemons, cut into strips
1/3 - 1/2 cup stevia (the original recipe calls for 2 cups of sugar)

Bring the water to a boil, add the basil, lemon peel, and stevia.  Stir well, then remove from heat.  cover and leave to steep for about 1 hour.
Strain through a sieve or cheesecloth, squeezing the liquid out of the leaves and peels.

4 - 6 cups cold water and ice
3/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (this takes 3 - 4 lemons)

Place water and ice (if desired) in a pitcher, stir in lemon juice.  Add all of the basil lemon syrup and stir well.  Serve.

This is so nice and refreshing!  The basil isn't a strong flavor - it harmonizes with the lemon, adding a little herb-y sweetness and creating a perfect spring and summer flavor.

It's also good with a little sploosh of vodka.