Fresh Lemonade

Combine the lemon juice with the syrup in a large pitcher. Stir in 3 cups cold water. Stir well and serve over ice cubes.

Simple Syrup
Combine 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring gently, just until the sugar dissolves. Cool completely, then store in a clean glass container. Keeps, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.

Variation: Combine 2/3 cup cleaned fresh strawberries or blueberries, the lemon juice, and syrup in a blender and pour in 3 cups cold water. Blend until uniform in color, 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a large pitcher and serve over ice cubes. Simple Sugar Syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup cold water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium low heat, stirring gently, just until the sugar dissolves. Cool completely, then store in a clean glass container. Keeps, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks. Makes about 3/4 cup.