Sparkling Mint Lemonade - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
4 lemon peel strips, each about 3-inch long
4 large mint sprigs
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (8 - 10 lemons)
3 (24 ounce) bottles sparkling water, chilled
lemon slices and mint sprig (to garnish)

Preparation

Bring sugar and water to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil 1 minute.
Add lemon peel strips and mint sprigs (I prefer Kentucky mint, but any will work).
Cover and let stand 30 minutes to infuse syrup with flavors.
Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher.
Add lemon juice.
Stir well and chill for at least 2 hours.
At serving time, add sparkling water.
Place ice cubes in a glass, and fill with mint lemonade.
Enjoy!