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If you would like to make this ahead, you can store the syrup mixture with the mint and lime juice in your refirgerator for several days. Just add the seltzer when you are ready to serve. For those of you who want to turn this into a cocktail, add about a quarter of a cup of rum to each serving.
Makes 4 limeades
10 minutes cooking time
10 minutes preparation time, plus time for cooling
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1/3 cup mint leaves, torn into pieces
2 cups seltzer water
First make a simple syrup. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Turn off the heat and set the pan aside to cool.
Meanwhile, put the lime juice and mint leaves in a pitcher and mash the mint leaves into the side of the pitcher with the back of a wooden spoon. When the sugar syrup has cooled somewhat, pour it into the pitcher and stir. Let this mixture sit for as much time as you have. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavor will be.
When you are ready to make the limeades, fill a large glass with ice. Add 1/2 cup of the syrup mixture and 1/2 cup of seltzer. Stir and serve imemdiately.