Lemon Spritzers

Our adults-only version of a classic summer refresher gets even more tart-sweet flavor from an easy lemony mint syrup. 

Ingredients

• 6-8 large lemons
• 4 cups cold water
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 sprigs fresh mint
• 1 cup orange juice
• Ice cubes
• 2 cups lemon seltzer 
• ¾ cup citrus vodka
• Lemon slices and mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Using vegetable peeler, shave zest from 3 lemons in thin strips. Squeeze 1¼ cups juice from lemons; reserve. 
2. In pot, mix 1 cup cold water, sugar, mint and zest; over medium, cook, stirring, until dissolved, 5 min. Cool; strain into pitcher.
3. Add lemon juice, orange juice and remaining water. Cover; chill.
4. Fill glasses with ice. Stir seltzer and liquor into citrus ade; divide among glasses. If desired, garnish with lemon slices and mint.