syrup

1. mix strawberries, water, sugar, and honey in a small sauce pot. bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve.
2. add the basil leaves and simmer about 10 minutes and liquid is bright red. remove from heat and let steep 5 minutes.
3. pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, don’t press down on the leftover strawberries or your syrup will get cloudy. discard strawberries and basil. let syrup cool completely.

strawberry basil fizz

1. combine the gin and syrup over ice in a shaker, shake and pour into glass. top with sparkling water and garnish with basil leaves
2. for a strawberry basil soda, omit the gin!