Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 5 cups chopped strawberries
- 3/4 cups sugar
- 2 3-inch strips lemon zest
- 3 sprigs fresh mint, plus more for garnish
- 1 cup lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 2 cups sparkling water
Instructions:
- Make the Strawberry Base:
- Combine the water, chopped strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, and mint in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cool and Strain:
- Let the strawberry mixture cool.
- Strain it through a mesh strainer set over a pitcher or large mason jar. (At this point, the strawberry base can be covered and refrigerated for a few days.)
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in the lemon juice and sparkling water.
- Serve over ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint.
(This is also very good with a little gin or vodka)