Make a Fresh Batch of Strawberry Lemonade

The warm days of spring and summer call for something cool and refreshing to drink, and my family thinks this homemade strawberry lemonade fits the bill perfectly. The combination of sweet berries and tart lemons makes for a truly special treat.

It's easier to make than you think, and it's much better than the stuff you get from a bottle or can. Plus, you have the added assurance of knowing exactly what goes into it.

You don't have to use strawberries, either—other sweet berries like blueberries or blackberries are also equally delicious. Any way you make it, it's fantastic!

The secret to great homemade lemonade is making a simple syrup first. It incorporates into the lemonade evenly and thoroughly, and here we supercharge the lemonade's citrus flavor by adding some fresh grated lemon zest to the syrup.

Try to use organic lemons when you make this. You'll be using the peel, and definitely don't want any pesticide residue in your delicious lemonade. We always try to use organic strawberries as well. Our favorites are the ones we get from Tomatero Organic Farm at the Civic Center Farmer's Market.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cold water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
• 8 ounces strawberries
• Ice for serving
• Mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Directions

Combine sugar, 2 cups water, and lemon zest in a saucepan and heat over medium high heat until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Set aside to let cool.

Juice the lemons and wash and hull the strawberries. Combine berries and lemon juice in a blender and puree until smooth.

Pour syrup into a large glass pitcher and add the remaining 4 cups water. Stir to combine. Stir in lemon/strawberry puree until thoroughly combined. Chill for at least one hour.

Fill glasses with ice, pour lemonade over, and savor a taste of summer.