Freshly Squeezed Lemonade

Directions

Wash lemons and cut in half width-wise. Use a citrus juicer to juice lemons into a microwave-safe liquid measuring cup. Pour juice through a wire sieve into a serving pitcher. To the liquid measuring cup, add the sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat on high in the microwave for 1 minute; stir. If the sugar is not fully dissolved, heat for 30 seconds more. If the serving pitcher is glass, place a metal utensil into the pitcher to absorb heat and prevent it from cracking. Pour the sugar syrup into the pitcher. Add 2 cups of ice; mix. Add 4 cups of water, or to taste. Serve lemonade over ice cubes with lemon slices.