Homemade Lemonade

Steps

1. In a medium saucepan, heat sugar with 3 cups water over medium heat until sugar dissolves, 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Transfer syrup to a heatproof container and refrigerate until cool, about 40 minutes.
3. Chill the lemon juice if time allows.
4. Pour lemon juice into a large pitcher or beverage dispenser.
5. Add about 3 cups of the cooled syrup (roughly three-quarters of the total).
6. Fill the pitcher with ice, then add about 4 cups water.
7. Stir and taste; add more syrup for sweetness or more water to dilute as needed.
8. Serve immediately in ice-filled glasses, garnished with lemon slices.
9. Optionally, add berries to the lemonade before serving for different flavors.