razzberry

When life gives you lemons, you know what to do. Grated ginger and fresh basil leaves make this the perfect summer tonic.

• 2 in. fresh ginger, peeled and sliced as thin as you can
• ½ cup honey (or agave for a vegan option)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 5 lemons
• 1 bunch basil

Add the ginger and honey to a small bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water into the bowl and stir until the honey dissolves. Set aside for 15 minutes. Then strain the liquid, removing the ginger. Pour the remaining mixture into a 2-quart pitcher. Juice 4 of the lemons (about 1 cup lemon juice) into the pitcher. Fill the pitcher ¾ full with ice. Add cold water to fill the pitcher up completely. Give the lemonade a good stir.

Slice the remaining lemon into thin slices and stir them into the lemonade. Pour into glasses and add a sprig of basil. Serves 8.

You can also replace the water with sparkling water for bubbles.

Bubbles are fun, right?

— Gwion Raven