Editor's note: This recipe is from Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living. For Maxwell's tips on throwing a summer pool party, click here.

　　This simple, refreshing drink really is easy to make and much better than a mix. By the way, these measurements are approximate. Adjust the recipe to your own taste, whether that's on the sweet or the tart end of the spectrum. You can also perk this up for your drinking friends with a dash of Bacardi Limon.

Ingredients

　　2 1/4 cups sugar

　　1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

　　3/4 teaspoon salt

　　Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

　　Combine 6 cups water and the sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and chill in the fridge. When fully chilled, add the lemon juice and salt. Serve with fresh mint leaves.

　　Reprinted with permission from Brini Maxwell's Guide to Gracious Living by Brini Maxwell. © 2005 Stewart, Tabori, & Chang