Strawberry Lemonade

Almost that time of year down here in the south when we need all the refreshing drinks and heat-slayers we can get our hands on. Hope you get a chance to enjoy this delicious drink while you're outside relaxing around the pool, puttering in the garden, reading in your hammock, or otherwise doing something nice outdoors.

LemonBerryAde

1 1/2 c sugar (or sweetener to taste)
1 c coarsely chopped stemmed and washed strawberries
2 c water
Zest of 2 lemons and 2 c fresh squeezed juice

2 1/2 c cold water
Lemon slices or slit berries and/or mint sprigs for garnish

Mix sugar and strawberries with 2 c water in a med saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Reduce heat to low and simmer until berries soften slightly, about 3 minutes, Stir in the lemon zest and let cool completely. (Berries will continue to soften and lose their color as the syrup cools off.)

Strain syrup through a fine sieve set over a pitcher or bowl, pressing hard on berries to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids. Add the fresh lemon juice and 2 1/2 c cold water to the syrup mixture and stir well to blend. Garnish and serve. (Can be refrigerated for 2 days.)

*Can be blended and served in a sugar-rimmed margarita glass.

*You can add a shot of Vodka for an "adult beverage."