Minty-Fresh Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 lemons, freshly squeezed
• 2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more as needed
• 16 to 20 ounces spring or filtered water
• 12 to 14 large ice cubes
• Several large sprigs fresh spearmint or peppermint

Instructions

1. 1
   Put the lemon juice and maple syrup in a pitcher and stir vigorously to combine.
2. 2
   Slowly pour the water into the pitcher, while stirring constantly. Taste and add more maple syrup, if desired.
3. 3
   Add 6 (or more) ice cubes to the pitcher. Stir well. Tuck 3 to 4 large fresh mint sprigs into the pitcher. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to let the mint become infused in the lemonade.
4. 4
   Put several ice cubes into three to four tall glasses. Divide the lemonade into the glasses. Tuck a small mint sprig into each glass, leaving an inch of mint peeking out at the top. Serve at once.