HOMEMADE LEMONADE IS STILL AS LOVED IN THE South during summertime as ice’ tea, and the variations folks come up with are amazing. No matter that other ingredients might detract from the lemonade itself—as in this fizzy version a friend in Huntsville, Alabama, takes great pride in serving at bridge parties. What’s most important about this or any other lemonade (plain or flavored) is that the lemon juice be fresh squeezed.

Makes about 2 quarts

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8 large lemons)
• 1 cup fresh ripe strawberries, stemmed and cut in half
• 1 liter club soda, chilled

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar.
2. Bring the water and sugar mixture to a boil.
3. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool.
5. In a blender or food processor, combine the cooled syrup, lemon juice, and strawberries.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth.
7. Transfer the blended mixture to a large pitcher.
8. Chill the pitcher in the refrigerator for several hours.
9. When ready to serve, stir in the chilled club soda.
10. Immediately serve the lemonade over ice cubes in tall glasses.
11. Enjoy!