Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 15 fresh mint leaves, packed
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 5 cups chilled filtered water

Instructions:

  1. Combine the halved strawberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
  2. Once the strawberries have softened, stir in the fresh mint leaves and remove from heat immediately to prevent bitterness.
  3. Pour the warm strawberry mixture into a blender and blend on high for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth.
  4. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing down with a spoon to extract all the syrup.
  5. In a large pitcher, combine the strained strawberry-mint syrup with the fresh lemon juice and stir vigorously.
  6. Pour in the chilled filtered water and stir well.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to marry.