Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) vodka (or gin for a twist)
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chilled sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)
  • Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar. Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Let cool.
  2. Squeeze lemons until you have 1 cup of fresh juice. Strain for pulp if desired.
  3. In a cocktail shaker or large pitcher, combine lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka (or gin).
  4. If using a shaker, fill with ice and shake well. If using a pitcher, stir until well mixed.
  5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the cocktail mixture over, topping each glass with chilled sparkling water.
  6. Add lemon slices and mint leaves to each glass before serving.