Step 1

Combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, and mint leaves in a medium saucepan. Bring to a low boil, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 minute.

Step 2

Remove from the heat and allow to steep for 30 minutes.

Step 3

Pour the cooled simple syrup through a strainer into a mason jar or bottle. Discard the mint (or save for garnishing.)

Step 4

In a blender, combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice with the fresh strawberries. Blend well, then pour the liquid into a pitcher though a strainer to remove the berry seeds (if desired - if you like texture, leave it all in!)

Step 5

Add the remaining lemon juice and 2-3 cups of water to the pitcher and stir well. Add the minted simple syrup to taste (I used the whole batch!), stir, then chill for at least 3 hours, up to overnight for best flavor.

Step 6

Serve over ice, and garnish with lemon slices, sliced strawberries, and sprigs of mint.