Ingredients:
5 1/2 to 6 cups water, divided; to taste
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
6 to 8 large lemons
1/2 to 1 cup chilled light rum, or vodka; to taste
Lemon slices, for garnish
Seasonal fruit, for optional garnish
Method:
Gather the ingredients.
In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Add the sugar and lemon zest and whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Heat for about 5 minutes in total, then remove from heat and let the lemon syrup cool completely.
While the syrup cools, juice the lemons. Remove the pulp and seeds by pouring the juice through a fine-mesh strainer. Chill until ready to make lemonade.
Blend the lemonade in a pitcher. Add 1/2 cup of rum or vodka, 1 cup each of the lemon syrup and lemon juice, and 2 cups of cold water: stir and taste. Add more liquor, syrup, juice, and water in proportionate intervals as you fill the pitcher and adjust the sweet, sour, and strength to your taste. Chill the lemonade for at least 1 hour, or until needed.
When ready to serve, pour the spiked lemonade into ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and, if you like, seasonal fruits. Enjoy.
