Minted Orange-Lemon Fizz

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups water
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup tightly packed mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon grated orange rind
• 3/4 cup unsweetened orange juice
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups lemon-flavored sparkling water, chilled
• Fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Preparation

1. Combine 1 1/4 cups water and sugar in a small saucepan; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, and let cool completely.
2. Combine sugar mixture, 1/2 cup mint leaves, and next 3 ingredients. Cover and chill.
3. Pour mixture through a wire-mesh strainer into a pitcher, discarding mint and orange rind. Just before serving, stir in sparkling water. Serve over ice. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, if desired.