Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Yes I know more strawberry recipes, but they have been so good this year.  This is a pretty little drink that you can make for company.

The recipe calls for fresh squeezed lemon juice, but I didn't have lemons. So I used the bottled lemon juice.

You start out by making a simple syrup.  1/2 cup of water in a sauce pan.

1/2 cup sugar.  Heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.  Remove from heat and let it cool.

Wash and hull about a pound of strawberries.

Place the sliced strawberries in a food processor.

Process until they are pureed.

The simple syrup is ready.

Pour out the strawberries into a bowl. You can strain the juice if you like to get rid of the seeds and pulp.  I strained it and the put the pulp back in the food processor again and strained one more time. 

Pour the strawberries into a pitcher. Also pour in 3/4 cup lemon juice.

Add the simple syrup.  Place in the fridge for a while to chill.

When you are ready to serve, pour about a cup of sparkling water into the glass.

Add some of the strawberry mixture on top. Garnish with mint leaves and extra strawberries if you like.

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup water

1 pound strawberries

3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 cups sparkling water