Sparkling Lemonade

Lemonade is one of my all-time favorite drinks.  Refreshing, bright, delicious, and with so many possible variations.  I think this sparkling version is one of the very best.
This recipe is adapted from one I found, credited to Giada De Laurentiis, on Pennies on a Platter.
I could drink lemonade any day, any time, but on these hot summer afternoons, it really hits the spot.  The kids drank mine, so I'd better go make another batch!

Sparkling Lemonade

Adapted from Pennies on a Platter

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

1 cup sugar

20 mint leaves

1 cup fresh lemon juice

3 cups sparkling water

Ice

Directions:

1.  Stir the water and sugar together in a medium saucepan set over medium heat.  Stir in the mint leaves.  Heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer.

2.  Remove the pan from the heat.  Let the syrup cool.  Strain out and discard the leaves.

3.  To make a Pitcher: stir the syrup and lemon juice together in a pitcher.  Gently stir in the sparkling water.  Garnish with lemon slices and/or mint leaves if desired.  Serve!

    To make a Glass: stir 1/4 cup of the syrup together with 1/4 cup of the lemon juice in a medium (aprx 12 oz) glass.  Gently stir in 3/4 cups seltzer water.  Add ice.  Garnish with a lemon slice and/or mint leaves if desired.  Serve!  *Makes 4 glasses.