Lemonade

In the days of Crystal Light and Country Time, it's sometimes hard to believe that some people grew up actually drinking lemonade, rather than "low calorie powdered drink mix." I would be lying if I said I don't like the convenience of some of the packaged mixes, but nothing refreshes like the real stuff. Besides, lemonade is easy!

Lemonade

Makes 1 gallon

• 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
• the stuff from the cute yellow bottle is not a substitute
• 1 cup simple syrup
• 1 cup sugar dissolved in 1 cup boiling water, cooled
• 1 gallon ice water

Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher, serve over ice with sprigs of mint and sliced, fresh lemons.