Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade

• 1 (12 ounce) package frozen unsweetened raspberries (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon rinds
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 (1 liter) bottlechilled sparkling water or 1 (1 liter) bottle club soda
• ice cube
• fresh raspberries (optional)
• lemon slice

 Combine frozen raspberries, sugar and 1/2 cup water in medium saucepan.

1.  Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and berries thaw.
2.  Increase heat and boil 3 minutes.
3.  Strain raspberry mixture into bowl, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids in stainer.
4.  Mix lemon peel into raspberry syrup in bowl.
5.  Chill until cold.
6.  Stir raspberry syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water in large pitcher to blend.
7.  Fill 6 glasses with ice cubes.
8.  Pour raspberry lemonade into glasses.
9.  Add fresh raspberries to each glass, if desired.
10.  Garnish with lemon slices and serve.