Basil Lime Spritzer

Food and Wine Magazine

3/4 cup sugar

Zest of 1 lime, removed in strips with a vegetable peeler

1/2 cup fresh lime juice (2-3 limes)

1/4 cup water

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil

Bring sugar, zest, juice, and water to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and let syrup stand, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Discard zest and pour syrup into a blender. Add basil and blend for 20 seconds. Pour through a fine sieve lined with a rinsed and squeezed paper towel unto a bowl or measuring cup, then cool. The syrup will keep for 2-3 days, covered and chilled.

Pour 1-2 tablespoons into an ice-filled glass, top off with sparkling water, stir, and enjoy. Very refreshing.