Mint Limeade - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 cups water, divided
1 3/4 cups sugar, less to taste or 1 3/4 cups Splenda sugar substitute, to taste
1/3 cup of fresh mint, coarsely chopped
1 cup fresh lime juice (about 12 limes)
10 mint sprigs, to garnish (optional)
10 lime slices, to garnish (optional)

Preparation

Combine 2 cups water, sugar, and chopped mint in a small saucepan; bring to a boil.
Cook until sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, let stand 10 minutes.
Strain through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids.
Combine the remaining 4 cups water, sugar syrup, and lime juice in a large pitcher, stirring well.
Serve over ice, garnish with mint sprigs and lime slices, if desired.