Begin by rolling the lemons on a hard surface—this helps release their natural juices. Cut the lemons in half and juice them until you have about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.

In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely.

Gradually pour in the water, stirring continuously to ensure it’s well-mixed.

Toss in your fresh mint leaves. For an extra burst of flavor, lightly muddle the mint leaves to release their oils before adding them.

Let the pitcher sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle beautifully.

Fill tall glasses with ice, pour the chilled lemonade over, and garnish with additional mint and optional flavorings if desired.