Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

This is my most favorite drink in all the world! It is so yummy! It's sweet, sour, fizzy...everything you could ask for in a beverage. It's my go to drink for any event I want to bring something special to, or just my go to drink. If you don't have fresh strawberries, you can always use frozen. Just let them thaw out...or don't. If you want to make a yummy frozen slushy, keep them frozen and blend them up. Hope you enjoy!
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

2 lbs fresh (or frozen (thawed) if out of season) hulled strawberries
1 1/2 - 2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 bottles of sparkling water (you'll need about a liter a half)

Directions: Slice strawberries and place in blender. Add 1/2 cup sugar. If you want a more sour lemonade, use 2 cups lemon juice, for a little more subtle taste use 1 1/2 cups. Pour lemon juice into blender. Next, make a simple syrup. To do so, boil the last 1/2 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water. Reduce and stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 min. Now add the simple syrup to blender. Blend until smooth.
Pour mixture into a pitcher and add sparkling water slowly. Stir with a large spoon. Chill for about 2 hours or serve over ice immediately because really, it's just too good to wait for.

*credit goes to one of my church leaders from years ago. Greatest thing I ever learned to make :)