Ingredients
3 cups water
1/2 cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon
20 mint leaves, divided
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 cup strawberries, hulled
1 tablespoon sugar
Carbonated strawberry-flavored water, chilled
Strawberries, mint (optional garnish)
Directions
In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and add 1/2 cup sugar. Once the sugar dissolves, remove from heat and add 5 mint leaves. Cool completely. Discard mint leaves.
Place liquid in a blender with remaining mint, lime juice, strawberries and 1 tablespoon sugar. Blend until as smooth as possible.
Divide mixture between three medium glasses filled with ice. Top off with carbonated water. Garnish with a strawberry and additional mint, if desired. Serve immediately.