healthy way to make: Strawberry Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup of water
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh lemon juice (this equaled close to 8 of my lemons)
4-6 cups cold water (this will vary depending on your taste) 

Directions:

1. Make a simple syrup by combining the sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Place over medium heat and heat until the sugar in completely dissolved; swirl the pan occasionally. Let cool.

2. Once the simple syrup has cooled, puree strawberries in a blender with ½ cup water.

3. In a large pitcher, combine strawberry puree, simple syrup and lemon juice.

4. Add 4-6 cups of cold water. The amount of water you use will depend on your taste, so add as little or as much as you want to achieve your perfect sweet/tart balance.

5. Serve over ice. If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.