Basil Vodka Gimlets

Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 4 cups packed fresh basil sprigs
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 9 slices lemon zest (4 x 1 inch)
• 3/4 cup vodka
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup ice cube

Recipe

• 1 syrup: bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
• 2 let stand at room temperature, covered, 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until cold, about 1 hour.
• 3 strain syrup through a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids. syrup keeps, covered and chilled, 5 days.
• 4 gimlets: stir together all ingredients in a pitcher until cold, then strain into 8- to 10-ounce glasses (such as old fashioned) half filled with ice.