Sparkling Ginger Lemonade

Last week I had a wonderfully surprising experience with some vegan friends at Café Gratitude in Berkeley. I was skeptical, because I am a tried-and-true carnivore. The first thing that was recommended was a refreshingly spicy ginger lemonade. Once I tried it, I knew I had to reproduce it at home. The final product tastes almost exactly like the restaurant's version. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste. I use Meyer lemons for my lemonade because we have a tree, but regular would work, too. I'm also eager to try a lime version. As for the rest of the food, it was just as good.  If you are in the area, give it a shot, vegan or not.

Ingredients:
5 large lemons
1/4 cup agave sweetener
2Tbsp fresh ginger juice*
Sparkling water
2 quart pitcher

*if you're like me and don't have a juicer, grate fresh ginger and squeeze with a garlic press until you have the desired amount. Or, if you know of a place to get fresh ginger juice, get it there.

Directions:
Squeeze lemons. Pour juice through a strainer into the pitcher. Discard any bits in the strainer. Repeat with fresh ginger juice.  Discard any bits in the strainer. Add 1/4 cup agave sweetener and mix to incorporate. Add sparkling water (I use San Pellegrino) to fill 2quart pitcher. Serve over ice and enjoy.