In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and 2 cups water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon until the sugar is completely dissolved and you have a clear sugar syrup. Add the fresh mint leaves and continue to boil for 1–2 minutes, allowing the syrup to pick up that lovely fresh mint flavor.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and let it steep at room temperature for at least 30 minutes—or even longer if you want a stronger minty taste. This is your mint syrup base.

While your mint syrup is steeping, squeeze 1 1/2 cups lemon juice into a large pitcher. You can also substitute lime juice or even add a splash of both for a unique twist. If you’d like to save time, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.

Add 4 cups cold water to the pitcher and give it a quick stir to blend the lemon flavor with the water.

Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the mint syrup through the strainer into the lemon juice mixture, discarding the mint leaves. Stir well to incorporate the syrup. Taste and adjust—add a bit more water or sugar if you’d like a lighter or sweeter drink.

Chill your lemonade in the refrigerator for at least an hour, then serve over ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint or a thin slice of lemon peel for an extra pop of color.