Homemade Strawberry Lemonade

Make simple syrup

1. Add granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 cups of the water to a medium saucepan, and heat over MED heat.
2. Stir as it heats, until the sugar is dissolved. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
3. Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.

Puree the berries

1. Add the strawberries to blender or food processor and process until smooth.

Strain (optional but recommended)

1. Place a fine mesh sieve over a large pitcher, and pour the pureed strawberries into the sieve. Press and strain to remove any seeds.
2. I like to keep the sieve over the pitcher and strain the fresh lemon juice as well, to keep any stray seeds and pulp from ending up in the lemonade.

Make the lemonade

1. To the large pitcher (which, if you strained as recommended will already have the pureed strawberries and lemon juice), add the cooled simple syrup, and the remaining 3 1/2 cups water. Stir well to combine.
2. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, or until well chilled.

Serve

1. Add ice cubes to glasses, then pour in chilled strawberry lemonade. Garnish glass with a strawberry, a sprig of fresh mint, and a lemon slice, if desired.