I love this summer in Austria. It’s hot for weeks now and I get to really enjoy the long days. What I love most is spending the evenings outside with friends and talk about life and everything in it. These are the best nights – the ones to remember and write into my summer journal.

Get ready for the best summer drink: lemon basil cordial | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

Alcohol isn’t always the right choice for these evenings, so I created another recipe in my selection of syrups: lemon and basil cordial. And it tastes as refreshing as it sounds.

Lemon and basil get married into one delicious summer lemonade | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

All you need is:
– juice of 4 lemons
– 500 g sugar
– 500 ml water
– 1 tsp lemon acid
– 2 handful of basil leaves

Heat the water in a pan and add the sugar. Let it simmer for 10 mins (the sugar should dissolve completely). Put it aside and let it cool.

Put the lemon juice and acid together with the basil leaves in a mixer. Add the sugar syrup and mix well. It should turn green and the leaves should be almost gone. Sieve into a bottle and close carefully. It will hold up to one year.

Serve with ice cubes, lemons and cold water. I suggest a ratio of 1:7 (one part cordial to 7 parts of water) but do as you like.

Get ready for the best summer drink: lemon basil cordial | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

Pro-tip: Cut a lemon into thin slices and put them separately into the freezer. They make great “ice cubes” that don’t water down your drink and keep it cool.

Get ready for the best summer drink: lemon basil cordial | LOOK WHAT I MADE ...

What are you drinking during the hot summer days? Any recipes you’d like to share?

Now. Carry on!