Peach-Basil Cooler

Name: Peach-Basil Cooler
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar; 4 cups chopped peeled fresh peaches or 1 pound frozen unsweetened sliced peaches; 1 package (3/4 ounce) fresh basil leaves; 2 cups cold water; 1-1/2 cups fresh lemon juice; Additional cold water; Ice cubes; Club soda or champagne; Additional fresh basil leaves

Mix with club soda for a cool and refreshing mocktail! —Dana Hinck, Pensacola, Florida

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
4 cups chopped peeled fresh peaches or 1 pound frozen unsweetened sliced peaches
1 package (3/4 ounce) fresh basil leaves
2 cups cold water
1-1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
Additional cold water
Ice cubes
Club soda or champagne
Additional fresh basil leaves

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, peaches, basil and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Remove from heat; let stand 30 minutes. Discard basil; stir in lemon juice. Refrigerate until cooled completely.
Place peach mixture in a blender; cover and process until blended. Strain into a pitcher; add additional cold water to reach desired consistency. To serve, fill glasses with ice. Pour peach mixture halfway up glass; top with club soda or, if desired, champagne. Serve with additional basil.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup (calculated without champagne): 157 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (38g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

Originally published as Peach-Basil Lemonade Slush in Modern Comfort Summer 2016