Place 1 ½ cups water, the sugar and basil into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes then remove from heat. Allow to cool to room temperature.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Once the basil simple syrup cools, pour it through a mesh sieve to remove all the solid pieces.
Add ice to the pitcher then pour in the remaining 3 ½ cups of water, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine.
1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
Garnish with lemon wheels and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.
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