Lemon Gin Cocktail

　　

Ingredients

<p>Makes 4 drinks.</p>

　　1 1/3 cups fresh lemon juice

　　2/3 cup simple syrup

　　1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves

　　6 ounces gin, vodka, or rum, or to taste seltzer or club soda (optional)

　　

For simple syrup

1 cup water

　　1 cup sugar

　　

Make simple syrup

Step 1

In a small saucepan bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring, and boil until sugar is completely dissolved. Cool syrup. Syrup may be made 2 weeks ahead and chilled, covered.

　　

Step 2

In a blender, blend lemon juice, 2/3 cup syrup, and mint until completely smooth and add additional syrup to taste. Lemon mixture may be made 4 hours ahead and chilled in a sealable container.

　　

Step 3

Fill 4 glasses with ice and add liquor and lemon mixture. Top off Southsides with seltzer or club soda.