Along with ice cold sangria…the perfect refreshing drink for summer (especially here today. Its 113º today in Arizona’s valley of the sun) is…

Italian Lemonade ~
Giada’s Italian Lemonade with Basil 😀
  ( http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/italian-lemonade-recipe/index.html)

Ingredients:
2 cups lemon juice, about 12 to 15 lemons
2 cups Basil Simple Syrup, recipe follows
2 cups cold or sparkling water
Ice
Lemon twists, for garnish
Directions:
Mix lemon juice, Basil Simple Syrup, and water together in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pour over ice filled glasses and garnish with a lemon twist.

Basil Simple Syrup:
1 bunch fresh basil, washed and stemmed
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
In a saucepan combine basil, sugar, and water and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 5 minutes. Cool, strain the simple syrup, and store in the refrigerator.

(I added more water to mine, just sayin :D)

What made me remember this lemonade was the announcement by #QueenCreekOliveMill….

Pssst….a NEW olive oil…
from our favorite local olive oil company, actually our favorite olive oil ever, the Queen Creek Olive Mill,
Its Fresh Cut Basil Olive Oil!
http://queencreekolivemill.com/store/oils/bottled-oils/fresh-cut-basil-olive-oil.html
Along with all their awesome oils, olives, tapenades, balsamic vinegars and their line of olive oil bath & body products . and a nice selection of wines.

Oh the many uses!
I’m trying to contain my excitement and not post in all caps!
I love this place! You’ve got to take a look at their products online. I’m so weak at this joint!
This is for foodgasms!