Watermelon Basil Lemonade

gailanng's Note:

This can be used with good silver tequila to create a memorable watermelon-basil margarita. Just add juice of 1 lime per cocktail. Recipe courtesy of Tillman’s Roadhouse

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 1 hrs
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, peeled and rough chopped
• 8 basil leaves
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 8 fresh lemons
• 8 cups cold water
• 8 cups ice

Directions:

1. Combine in a stainless steel pot the water and sugar. Zest 4 of the lemons into the water and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and strain the lemon zest out. Add to the ice to chill.
2. While water is coming to a boil, squeeze the juice from all 8 lemons in a blender. Add in basil and watermelon. Puree until smooth.
3. Once the lemon syrup is cold, combine with the basil-watermelon puree. Stir well and let sit in the cooler for 1 hour before drinking to allow time for the flavors to meld.