Simple Syrup:

1/4 cup water

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, from approximately 5 limes

Fruit:

2 cups (approximately 2 pounds peeled or half a small watermelon), 1-inch cubed watermelon

2 cups whole, hulled, strawberries

Serve:

sparkling water, chilled (approximately 1/3 cup per drink as desired)

1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish

Method:

Simple Syrup:

1.   In a small saucepan over low heat, add water and sugar. Whisk until sugar has dissolved, approximately 1 minute.

2.   Remove from heat, add basil, and allow to steep off heat until flavor has developed, approximately 10 minutes. Steep longer if desired!

3.   Add lime juice to simple syrup and set to side – See kitchen note.

Fruit:

4.   In a high-powered blender, like Vitamix, add watermelon and strawberries. Secure the lid and blend on high until smooth.

5.   Pour contents through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup. Discarding any seeds.

6.   Combine simple syrup mixture with pureed fruit and set to the side.

Serve:

7.   Fill ice to the top of each glass. Add pureed fruit mixture 3/4 of the way to the top and finish with chilled sparkling water. Use as much or as little sparkling water as desired.

8.   Serve with a lime wedge and “fancy” straw.

Kitchen Note: When adding limes to the simple syrup, you may think its too tart; however, before adding more sugar, keep in mind that the watermelon and strawberries will add quite a bit of natural sweetness once you add the simple syrup – lime mixture to it.