Strawberry Lemonade

Serves 12

3 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus a few tablespoons for the rim, if desired)

10 cups water

2 cups granulated sugar (plus a few tablespoons for the rim, if desired)

1 pint strawberries (fresh or frozen)

3 tablespoons lemon zest

Whole fresh strawberries (for garnish)

Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Ice cubes

1. In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and the sugar to a boil. Reduce heat and add lemon zest. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves. Cool and then strain the mixture into a large, glass pitcher.
2. In a blender, thoroughly puree strawberries and lemon juice. Strain mixture into the pitcher.
3. Add the remaining 7 cups of water to the pitcher.
4. Stir well. Refrigerate until chilled.
5. If desired, separately pour some lemon juice and sugar onto small plates. Dip the rim of each serving glass into the lemon juice (or rub each rim with a lemon wedge) and then into the sugar to coat. Serve drink over ice cubes. If desired, place a sprig of mint in each ice-filled glass and garnish each rim with a strawberry and a wedge of lemon.