Fresh Lemonade/Fresh Limeade
"
A tangy thirst quencher."
Ingredients
3/4 cup cold water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup fresh lemon or lime juice
1 litre/quart cold water or seltzer (for sparkling lemonade)
ice cubes
thin lemon or lime slices
fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
Combine the cold water and sugar in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and let cool. (This is called a "simple syrup", and can be prepared ahead in quantities and kept refrigerated. For one pound of lemons - 1 cup juice - use 1 cup simple syrup.)
Combine juice with cold simple syrup in a large pitcher. Add cold water or seltzer.
Serve in tall glasses over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.
