in a small sauce pan combine sugar and the water. bring to boiling over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. reduce heat. boil gently, uncovered, about 10 minutes or untill reduced to 3/4 cup

in medium bowl combine warm syrup, orange peel, orange juice, basil, and, if desired liqeur. cover and let stand for 1 hour. strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl; discard basil. cover and chill strained mixture about 2 hours or untill well chilled.

freeze mixture in a 2-quart ice cream freezer according to the manufacturer's directions. if desired ripen for 2 to 4 hours