Classic Lemonade

Ingredients

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or honey, for a natural sweetener)
• 4 cups cold water (filtered water is preferable)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices, for garnishing

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar (or honey). Heat over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Squeeze enough lemons to yield 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp.
3. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled sugar syrup, lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir until well incorporated.
4. If making mint lemonade, add fresh mint leaves and let it infuse in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
5. For fruit-infused lemonade, add your choice of sliced strawberries, raspberries, or peaches into the pitcher and let it sit for about an hour.
6. Serve the lemonade over ice cubes, garnished with lemon slices and mint leaves.