Ingredients

• 4 cups packed fresh basil sprigs (top 4 inches; from a 1/2-pound bunch)
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 9 (4- by 1-inch) strips lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Bring all ingredients to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Let stand at room temperature, covered, 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container and chill until cold, about 1 hour. Strain syrup thourough a sieve into a bowl, pressing hard on and then discarding solids.