2 cups water, room temperature

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup loosely packed fresh sage leaves

1 cup fresh lime juice (approximately juice from 10 – 12 limes)

3 cups sparkling water, unflavored

1 lime, thinly sliced (optional garnish)

Method:

1.   In a small pot over medium heat, add water and sugar. Allow to cook while stirring with a whisk until sugar has dissolved, approximately 3 – 4 minutes.

2.   Remove from heat and add sage leaves. Allow to steep off heat for 20 minutes.

3.   Strain and discard sage leaves.

4.   Combine lime juice with simple syrup and stir.

5.   In each glass, fill with ice, 1/4 cup lime simple syrup (more or less depending on desired sweetness) and top with sparkling water.

6.   Garnish with a lime wedge before serving.

Kitchen Note:  Adding a splash of vodka can quickly take this from front yard lemonade stand to backyard BBQ.  For more or less sweetness, add more or less simple syrup.