Sweet Basil Smoothie

Try this smoothie!!! It comes from Giada De Laurentiis and is delicious! It sounds weird but is super refreshing on a hot summer afternoon. I usually substitute some of the sugar for something healthier (try Stevia, Agavae, honey, etc.)! Let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups plain yogurt
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups Lemon Simple Syrup, recipe follows
1 cup ice

Directions
In a blender, combine the yogurt, basil, Lemon Simple Syrup, and ice. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into frosted glasses and serve immediately.

Lemon Simple Syrup:

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest
In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon zest over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and allow the syrup to cool, about 20 minutes. Strain before using.