Mennonite Lemonade

Wash lemons and cut into 1/4-inch slices.

Place slices in a stainless steel bowl and add sugar.

Grind down the lemon slices to release the juice by using a wooden spoon or potato masher. Let sit for 20 minutes.

Stir occasionally.

In several bunches, squeeze the lemon slices hard with your hands to extract all the juice.

Mix in the quart of ice water.

(You may add a little more water if desired.) Transfer to a pitcher and chill in the refrigerator or add a tray of ice cubes and serve right away. Garnish each glass with a sprig of mint, if desired.