Lemonade

Refreshing drink! This can be used as a sour mix for mixed cocktails, just omit the last step of water.Add to a punch.Make a lemon-limeade by mixing half lemon and half limes.Pack it into a thermos for a picnic.

• Ready In: 18 mins
• Yields: 1 quart

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 8 -9  lemons, rinsed (23/4 to 31/4 lb. total)
•  lots  ice cube

• garnish

•  thin lemon slice
•  fresh mint leaves
•  lemongrass, bruised for stirring and flavor

Directions

1. In a 1-quart bowl combine sugar and 1 1/4 cups hot water.
2. Micro and stir occasionally, until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, zest 1 tablespoon lemon peel (yellow part only) from 2 or 3 lemons.
4. Add peel to warm sugar mixture; let cool about 10 minutes.
5. Cut all lemons in half and ream enough juice to make 1 3/4 cups.
6. Add to sugar mixture.
7. Into a pitcher add lots of ice cubes, lemon syrup, 1 cup ice cold water.
8. Stir lemon slices into lemonade& pour into glasses with garnish of mint.
9. Taste you may want to add more water.