2 cups water
For the lemonade:
simple syrup
1 cup lemon juice
4 cups water
ice (at least 2 cups)
sliced lemon for serving, optional
In a small saucepan, heat the 2 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar for the simple syrup over medium high heat until the sugar is dissolved. Stir it often. The mixture doesn’t need to boil but it will be steamy and hot. Place the simple syrup in a heat-resistance container (a mason jar with a lid works well for this) and refrigerate until chilled. In a large pitcher, add the simple syrup, lemon juice, and 5 cups of water. Stir to combine well. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon. NOTE: The lemonade will be a little strong, so be sure to serve it over at least a 1/2 cup of ice. If you aren’t serving it over ice, be sure to chill the lemonade well before serving and add 1 to 2 cups more water to suit your taste.