DIY: Sparkling Strawberry Mint Lemonade

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of sugar

3 cups of water 
1 cup of loosely packed fresh mint leaves, plus 6 sprigs for garnish
Juice of 6 lemons 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh strawberries; plus 6 whole strawberries for garnish
2 liters sparkling spring or mineral water, chilled

Directions 

1. In a small sauce pan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
2. Add the mint leaves, lemon juice and chopped strawberries.
3. Remove from the heat and let cool. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. To serve, strain and discard the strawberries and mint leaves.
5. Mix with the mineral water. Serve over ice and garnish with whole strawberries and mint springs.