Plum Basil Lemonade

If you’re looking for something to cool you down this summer, but you want to serve a beverage that is tantalizingly different; look no farther.  Both you and your guests will enjoy the unique and delicate blended flavors of plums, basil, and lemons! It will compliment any table with its stunning and sophisticated appearance.

3 large, ripe purple plums

5 1/2 cups water, divided

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

3/4 cup milled cane sugar

1 cup fresh lemon juice

1. Pit and coarsely chop two of the plums. In a small saucepan, stir together the chopped plums, 2 cups water, basil and sugar. Bring mixture to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved; simmer covered 5 minutes.

2. Cool mixture and pour into a pitcher through a fine sieve, pressing hard on solids. Discard solids.

3. Thinly slice remaining plum and stir into pitcher with remaining 3 1/2 cups water and lemon juice. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve each glass with a few plum slices and a sprig of fresh basil.

Makes approximately 8 cups.