For the strawberry syrup:
1 heaping cup chopped strawberries
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons cold water
For the lemonade:
⅔ cup sugar
1 cup very hot water
1¼ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 6-7 lemons)
4½ cups cold sparkling water or seltzer
To make the strawberry syrup, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, salt and water in a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth, then use a fine mesh strainer to remove all the seeds. Press firmly to extract as much liquid as possible.
To make the lemonade, combine the sugar and hot water in a pitcher. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then add the strawberry syrup and sparkling water.
To serve, rub a spent lemon wedge along the rim of the glass, then dip in sugar. Add ice if desired and fill with lemonade. Garnish with lemon wedges and/or strawberry slices. Drink and enjoy.