Don’t be intimidated by the use of the stove! This recipe isn’t complicated at all.

Serves: Makes about 1 gallon

What you need:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 cups of water + 11 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
• Two stems of basil with the leaves still attached
• 20 medium strawberries, stems removed
• The juice of 6 lemons

Steps to deliciousness:

1. In a saucepan over low heat, stir the sugar, 2 cups of water, and lemon zest, until the sugar dissolves. Add the stems of basil and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes. It doesn’t need to get really thick.
2. Blend the strawberries and lemon juice together until smooth.
3. Remove the basil stems.
4. In a large pitcher, mix together the pureed strawberries, sugar-water mixture, and 11 cups of water.
5. Allow to sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until cold.