Minted Limeade

Step 1: Remove zest (green part only) from 4 limes with a vegetable peeler. Set limes aside.

Step 2: Combine zest with sugar, mint, and 1 cup of the water in a small saucepan.

Step 3: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Let cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Strain into a pitcher.

Step 7: Juice all the limes. There should be about 1 cup of juice.

Step 8: Whisk juice and remaining water into mixture in pitcher.

Step 9: If not sweet enough, whisk in additional sugar to taste.

Step 10: Fill tall glasses with ice.

Step 11: Pour limeade over ice and garnish with sprigs of fresh mint.