makes about one quart
For the simple syrup:
1 cup filtered water
1 cup raw sugar
For the lemonade:
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (I used 10 lemons)
1 cup (about 1 half-pint) fresh raspberries, pureed
4-5 cups filtered water
sparkling water
fresh mint leaves
additional fresh raspberries, for garnish
1. Combine the water and sugar in a small sauce pot. Heat over medium-high heat. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved in the water. Remove from the heat and let cool.
2. Press the pureed raspberries through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the solids.
3. Stir together the lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, and raspberry juice in a large pitcher. Add in enough water to achieve the sweetness you prefer.
4. Pour the lemonade into each ice-filled glass until they are 2/3 - 3/4 full. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with fresh raspberries and fresh mint leaves.