Emeril's Strawberry Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 cups water- change to 3 cup
• 1 cup sugar- change to 1/2 or 2/3 cup
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice- change to 1/2 cup
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda- change to 1 cup (lime flavored club soda or Sprite would be good)
• Ice
• Mint sprigs, garnish
• Whole strawberries, garnish

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon peel and lemon juice, stir, and remove from the heat. Let cool completely, then strain into a clean pitcher.

In a blender, puree the pint of strawberries and add to the pitcher with the lemon juice. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until well chilled.

Add the sparkling water and stir well. Pour over glasses filled with ice and serve, garnished with mint and strawberries.

***Why do I change the ingredients amount so much? Because the original recipe is too sweet (not healthy for your body).