Strawberry basil soda

This homemade version is bright and sophisticated, with a suggestion of spice from the basil. The syrup isn't limited to use in sodas, either. Stir it into cocktails and champagne, pour it over ice cream sundaes and cake, and make it part of your celebrations.

Ingredients

1 pound strawberries, trimmed

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves

1 cup sugar

Carbonated water

Directions

Juice strawberries using a juicer or blender. If using a juicer: Juice strawberries according to manufacturer's instructions. Discard pulp.If using a blender: Place strawberries in a blender and pulse until smooth. Strain through a sieve, pushing juice through with a spatula. Discard solids.

Pour strawberry juice into a liquid measuring cup. Add water to reach 1 cup if needed. Pour into a small saucepan with lemon juice, basil, and sugar.

Heat mixture over medium heat until boiling. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Strain syrup through a sieve into a clean container and discard solids.

To serve, spoon 2 tablespoons of syrup into an 8-ounce glass, top with carbonated water, and stir. Taste and add more syrup, if desired.

Can refrigerate syrup up to 1 week.