Begin by bringing 1 quart of water to a boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Once boiling, remove it from the heat and stir in 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.

While the simple syrup cools, grab your lemons and cut them in half. For each 8-12 oz glass, squeeze the juice from one lemon half directly into the glass and drop the squeezed lemon half into the glass.

Fill each glass with crushed ice, almost to the brim, then carefully pour the prepared simple syrup over the ice, mixing it with the lemon juice.

Cover the glass securely and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to blend the flavors evenly.

Serve immediately, garnished with a fresh mint leaf or a slice of lemon if desired.