Orange Basil Mojito

This recipe from Recipe Girl sounds cool and refreshing...just exactly what a Spring cocktail should be.  I love the replacement of mint with basil.  If the rest of the recipes from Recipe Girl are anything like this then the Amazon order department should get ready to work overtime.

Orange-Basil Mojitos

Ingredients

1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup thick simple syrup
10 large fresh basil leaves, stems removed and discarded
1 cup white rum
1 cup club soda
Crushed ice
Orange slices, for garnish
Additional basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a medium pitcher, combine the orange juice, simple syrup and basil.  Use a wooden spoon or a muddler to crush the basil leaves in the bottom of the pitcher.  Stir in the rum and club soda.  Serve immediately in individual glasses over crushed ice.  Garnish with orange slices and fresh basil.

To prepare thick simple syrup, in a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated white sugar to a boil.  Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring the mixture until the sugar has dissolved.  Remove the pan from heat and let cool.