Spiked Sparkling Basil Lemonade

• 9

  large basil leaves, divided

• 4 oz.

  vodka

• 1/4 cup

  granulated sugar

• 1 cup

  lemonade

• Ice

• Seltzer

• Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Infuse vodka: Tear 5 basil leaves into small pieces and place into a small glass jar with vodka. Seal tightly and shake, refrigerate, then infuse for at least 6 hours, up to 12 hours, shaking the jar occasionally.
2. Step 2: Make basil sugar: In a (preferably small) food processor, combine sugar and remaining basil. Pulse until basil is chopped into small, uniform pieces and sugar is pale green.
3. Step 3: Strain vodka into a glass measuring cup, squeezing basil leaves to release any remaining liquid.
4. Step 4: Rim glasses: Pour basil sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Fill another shallow plate with water until ¼" deep. Dip the rim of each glass first in water, then in basil sugar.
5. Step 5: Assemble cocktail: Divide basil vodka between glasses, then add ½ cup lemonade to each. Fill glasses with ice cubes and top with seltzer. Garnish with lemon slices.

Recipe Credit: https://www.delish.com/cooking/a36426261/spiked-sparkling-basil-lemonade/