I made this with garden basil ... it didn't say to pack the basil leaves but I did, and I accidentally let it steep about an hour. The basil was strong but not unpleasant. That said, I also made a batch of strawberry preserves which I used as a swirl in the ice cream. You could also spoon it over ... it would have been okay without the strawberry swirl but pairing it with fruit really makes the dish.