Nothing beats lemonade as a summertime refresher. This recipe shows you how to make your own lemon syrup. Keep it in the refrigerator and, whenever you're in the mood, just stir a few spoonfuls into water. For sparkling lemonade, add club soda or seltzer to the syrup.

6 lemons
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. water

Grate 1/4 teaspoon of the yellow zest from one of the lemons. Squeeze 3/4 cup juice. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Boil until syrup measured 3/4 cup, 3 to 4 minutes. Add zest and juice to syrup. Refrigerate. Add 3 tablespoons syrup or more to taste to 1 cup water and pour over ice.

Serves 8.