Start by making a simple syrup. In a small saucepan, boil 1 cup of water and add 1 3/4 cups sugar. Stir until completely dissolved, then remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place in a glass container and chill in the fridge.

Next, prepare your lemon juice by squeezing 7-8 lemons to get 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice. Add the pulp to the lemon juice, but take out and toss any seeds.

Add the lemon juice to a pitcher, and stir in the chilled simple syrup and 7-8 cups of water (depending on taste; the more water, the less sweet the lemonade.) Serve over ice, and add a lemon slice or mint sprig as a garnish if desired.