Lemonade

Fresh lemonade is a classic taste of summer.  It is crisp and refreshing, and its tart but sweet flavor is a welcome kiss on the taste-buds on a sunny day.
Lemonade is normally made with sugar, but I prefer to use a simple syrup instead because it integrates more quickly and thoroughly than sugar.  The great thing about this simple recipe is you can easily adjust the ingredient ratios to suit your tastes.  You can have a lemonade that makes your cheeks pucker, or one that is silky and sweet as nectar.

Makes about 1/2 gallon

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (8-10 lemons)
1 cup simple syrup (recipe follows)
5 cups water
pinch of salt
lemon slices (for garnish)

1.  Make the simple syrup: in a small sauce pan, dissolve 1 cup sugar into 1 cup of water.  Stirring occasionally over a medium/high heat, bring it to a boil, then remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
2.  In a large pitcher or serving bowl, stir together the lemon juice, simple syrup, water, and salt.  Top off with the lemon slices.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3.  Wasn’t that easy?  Now go drink!

*  Turn this lemonade into a cocktail by adding a splash of vodka to your glass, or pouring it to half a glass of champagne.
*  For a sparkling lemonade, use carbonated mineral water instead.
*  To make pink lemonade, just stir in 2 tablespoons of grenadine.