Refreshing Blueberry Soda

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

2 cups fresh basil

2 cups blueberries

½ cup water

2 tablespoons lemon juice

4 cups carbonated sparkling water

Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir the sugar and basil into the water and return to a boil; cook at a boil for 10 minutes and immediately remove from heat. Chill in refrigerator until slightly cooled, about 10 minutes.

Blend the blueberries, 1/2 cup water, and the lemon juice in a blender until smooth; pour into a pitcher. Remove the basil leaves from the simple-syrup mixture; discard the basil. Stir the syrup into the blueberry mixture. Add the carbonated water to the mixture and stir gently.