When Life Gives You Lemons (Part 2)

We made this strawberry lemonade a few weeks ago but I haven't gotten the chance to post because of being super busy with finals and papers. But! Now that the weather is scorching hot out, I think it's time to share this recipe with everyone. This is seriously one of the most amazing, refreshing, delicious drinks ever. And, it's the perfect treat for warm weather because, of course, it doesn't require any cooking.

This was made with the lemons we got from friends Kathryn and Chris, along with with Triple-Lemon Cupcakes I posted about a few weeks ago. Yum!

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade (from Moosewood Restaurant New Classics)

Serves about 4

1 c sugar
1/2 c water
2 c rinsed, stemmed, and quartered strawberries
1 c strained fresh lemon juice (LOTS of lemons)
24 oz. sparkling water
mint leaves (optional garnish)

1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and the liquid becomes clear. Transfer to blender.
2. Put the strawberries in a food processor and process until liquefied. Strain into blender (optional, but I like my drinks without seeds). Add the lemon juice to the blender and mix everything together.
3. In a pitcher, combine puree with sparkling water and serve in tall glasses over ice. Alternately, prepare individual glasses by combining equal parts puree and sparkling water. The puree will keep in the fridge for about 4 days.