There are many ways to welcome the weekend, but a favorite of mine is by enjoying a refreshing
mocktail. I recently came across a delicious spin on the quintessential favorite: lemonade. This recipe for Ginger-Tea Lemonade with Basil by Giada De Laurentiis is the perfect drink for all things refreshing and delicious--melding the flavors of black tea, sweet basil and warm ginger--and taking your lemonade lovin' to a whole new level!
So here's to Happy Sipping!
Ginger-Tea Lemonade with Basil
Ingredients:
2 cups water
3 black tea bags, such as English Breakfast Tea
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, from about 3 lemons
1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
2 cups ice
Lemon slices for garnish, optional
1 ⅓ cups Ginger Simple Syrup (see ingredients list below)
Ingredients for Ginger Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 (3-inch) piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
Method:
In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Remove
the pan from the heat and add the tea bags. Stir and allow the mixture
to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and
discard.
For the ginger simple syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water and ginger over medium
heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes,
stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pan
from the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain
before using.
Lay the basil leaves on a cutting board and cover with a sheet of
plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin, roll over the basil to bruise the
leaves. Remove the plastic wrap and add the bruised basil to the tea.
Pour in the ginger simple syrup and lemon juice. Refrigerate the mixture
for 1 hour.
Just before serving, add the sparkling water to the tea mixture. Place
the ice in a large pitcher and pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish
with lemon slices, serve and enjoy.
Recipe Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis
