Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Lately I've been dreaming of spring.  I know it's still winter, but with cold temps and rain this week all I can do is think of spring and waking up to the sound of chirping birds. 

In an effort to pretend it's warm and sunny I decided to make a pitcher of strawberry lemonade.  The lemons remind me of sunshine.
  

I enjoyed sipping on this cold, freshly made drink at home especially when things are a little gray outside.  So if it's dreary in your neck of the woods, try this recipe!

Ingredients
1/2 lb strawberries (about 1 1/2 cups), trimmed and halved 
1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 5 lemons) 
1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar 
3 cups cold sparkling water (also known as club soda) 

Directions
Puree strawberries with 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a blender until smooth, then strain the mixture to remove the seeds. Stir together strawberry puree remaining lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, and sparkling water in a large pitcher until sugar is dissolved. Taste, add more sugar if desired. Serve over ice.

recipe adapted from http://www.epicurious.com/