Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

4 mint leaves, optional, more for garnish

1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, about 64 mint leaves

Handful hulled strawberries

Sparkling water

 

Heat sugar and water in pan until sugar dissolves.

Tear mint leaves in half and add to simple syrup while it cools.

Hull strawberries then purée. (cut off the tops)

Combine lemon juice and purée. Add about 1/2 cup simple syrup and taste to your sweet tooth remembering that flavors will be stronger until water is added. Add more syrup as desired.

In a tall glass add ice then add approx. 1/4 cup strawberry lemon mixture. Top with well chilled sparkling water. Add more simple syrup if sweeter drink is desired.

Garnish with mint leaves and a strawberry.

Serves about 5