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Ingredients

• 8 ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced, plus extra to garnish
• 12 basil leaves, plus sprigs to garnish
• 3 tbsp Sugar
• 80 ml fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 500 ml sparkling water, chilled
• Ice

Method

1. Put the strawberries, basil and sugar in a jug and crush them together with a muddler or the end of a rolling pin until juicy and the sugar starts to dissolve.
2. Stir in the lemon juice and leave for a few minutes so the flavours mingle.
3. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses (strain it if you prefer it smooth), then top up with sparkling water.
4. Stir gently and garnish with a strawberry and a basil sprig.

Tips

• Press the basil gently; pounding it hard makes it taste grassy and bitter.
• Mint or a few sprigs of thyme are good swaps for the basil.

Sources

Written in our own words after cross-checking these recipes:

Taste of Home Love and Lemons