Active Time

　　10 minutes

　　Total Time

　　2 1/4 hours

　　This recipe makes enough for several batches of the vodka gimlets or lemonade; any left over would also give a nice hit of flavor to a glass of iced tea.

Ingredients

　　4 cups packed fresh basil sprigs (top 4 inches; from a 1/2-pound bunch)

　　4 cups water

　　2 cups sugar

　　9 (4- by 1-inch) strips lemon zest

　　Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let stand at room temperature, covered, 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until cold, about 1 hour. Strain syrup thourough a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids.

　　Cooks' note:

　　Syrup keeps, covered and chilled, 5 days.