INGREDIENTS

8 large lemons, divided

20 fresh mint leaves, divided

1 cup granulated sugar

3 cups boiling water

4 cups cold water

Ice cubes

Preparation Serves 8

Slice 7 lemons thinly. Seed sliced lemons and place in a large mixing bowl. Add 12 mint leaves and the sugar. Pour in boiling water. Let mixture sit for 45 minutes at room temperature, occasionally pressing lemons and mint with a spoon.

Strain liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher with at least a 2½-quart capacity. Juice the remaining lemon; add to the strained liquid. Add cold water; stir well. Pour lemonade over ice cubes into a glass; garnish with a mint leaf.