Sparkling Lime-Mint Coolers

• 13 limes
• 2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 bunches of mint (2 ounces), 12 small sprigs reserved, the rest coarsely chopped (with stems)
• 8 cups chilled sparkling water
• Ice

1. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from 8 of the limes, leaving behind as much of the bitter white pith as possible.
2. Juice all 13 limes.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the water with the sugar, chopped mint and lime zest strips and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook over moderate heat for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes.
6. Strain the syrup into a large pitcher.
7. Stir in the lime juice and sparkling water.
8. Serve in ice-filled glasses, garnished with the mint sprigs.

limes, water, sugar, bunches of mint, chilled sparkling water

Taken from www.foodandwine.com/recipes/sparkling-lime-mint-coolers (may not work)