Basil-Infused Watermelon Lemonade

1 cup water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
8 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
 
Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the basil. Let chill for 1 hour. Then strain the syrup through a sieve over a bowl and discard the basil.
 
Place watermelon in a blender. Process until smooth. Pour watermelon puree through a fine sieve into a large bowl, reserving liquid. Discard solids.
 
Combine watermelon liquid, basil syrup, and lemon juice in a pitcher. Chill.
 
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and basil sprigs when serving.
 
Serves 6.
 
From Just a Pinch blog