In a small saucepan, stir together water, sugar and basil leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat, cover and steep fore 30 minutes. Remove basil leaves and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cool the syrup completely before using in the cocktail.

To make the cocktail, blend together light rum, triple sec, strawberries, lime juice, basil simple syrup and ice. Pour evenly between to tall glasses and garnish with a slice of strawberry and basil leaves.