This simple syrup works well in cocktails, but would also be delicious drizzled over pound cake, or even ice cream!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• the peel of one orange (cut into strips, remove after cooking, and save for cocktails)
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves, torn

Directions:

1. Place sugar and water in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved
2. Lower the heat and add the orange peel and basil
3. Ensure the mixture does not boil and stir occasionally.
4. Strain the mixture and cool completely.  Discard the basil, but save the orange peel for orange-basil cocktails.