Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Recipe From Life's Ambrosia click photo to visit blog ;)

• 6 lemons
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups simple syrup (recipe follows)
• 1 (16 ounce) container strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1 quart sparkling water
• ice cubes
• mint for garnish

1. Roll the lemons back and forth a couple of times on the counter to release the juices. Cut the lemons in half juice into a bowl. Remove any seeds that may have fallen into the juice. You should get about 1 cup of lemon juice.
2. Using an immersion blender or regular blender, blend the strawberries with the 1/2 cup of the simple syrup, until smooth.
3. Pour lemon juice, strawberry puree, 1/2 cup simple syrup and sparkling water into a pitcher. Add more simple syrup if you want a little more sweetness. Add ice cubes. Chill until ready to drink.
4. Place more ice cubes in a glass, pour in chilled lemonade, garnish with mint sprig. Enjoy!

Simple Syrup

• 1 part sugar
• 1 part water

1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring to a boil. Stir until sugar has dissolved.
3. Cool completely.

Simple syrup is also used in many different cocktails. Keep it in the refrigerator and it will last for a few weeks.