Basil Gimlet

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch basil coarsely chopped
• 6 tablespoons hendrick's gin 
• 25 servings ice cubes 
• 4 tablespoons juice of lime 
• 1 cup sugar 

Equipment

• microwave
• measuring cup

Directions

1. Make basil syrup: In a large microwave-safe measuring cup, combine sugar, 3/4 cup water, and basil.
2. Microwave on high until sugar dissolves, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Let basil steep in syrup 20 to 30 minutes, then strain (you'll have enough syrup for 4 drinks).
4. Fill 2 highball glasses with ice. Into each glass, pour 3 tbsp. gin, 4 tbsp. basil syrup, and 2 tbsp. lime juice. Stir and serve, garnished with basil sprigs.
5. Add lemon juice and chilled water to the leftover syrup and serve over ice for basil lemonade.