LEMONADE-BASE

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp finely shredded lemon peel (optional)
1 cup lemon juice

For sugar syrup, in a medium saucepan heat and stir water and sugar over medium heat till sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool about 20 minutes.

Add lemon peel and lemon juice to the sugar syrup. Pour into a covered jar and chill. Store lemonade base in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for a few months.

TO MAKE LEMONADE:
Just add enough water to lemonade base to make 2 quarts of lemonade.