Tranquil Acres of Alexandria: FRENCHTOWN

10 lemons, juiced, approx 1 cup of lemon juice
3/4 cup sugar
4 cups water
8-10 strawberries, hulled
1/3 cup fresh basil
1/2 cup vodka (optional)

Directions:
Juice the lemons and transfer the juice into a large pitcher. Add the sugar and the water and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar. Add the strawberries and basil. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture for about 20 seconds just until the mixture turns pink and the basil is finely chopped. Add alcohol if desired. Serve with lots of crushed ice.