Cinnamon Basil Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup packed fresh cinnamon basil leaves (about 1 ounce), plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
• 4 cups chilled sparkling water
• 1 1/4 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• Lemon slices, for garnish

Steps

1. Bring sugar, 1 cup water, basil, and ginger to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved and mixture is very fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and pour into a heatproof jar. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.
2. Pour chilled syrup through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a 2-quart pitcher; discard solids. Stir in sparkling water and lemon juice.
3. Divide lemonade evenly among ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and additional basil.