Okay everyone, this is my mocktail magnum opus. It is my favorite lemonade. And while sure, you can put whisky or something in it to make it a cocktail, I don't. It's too good on it's own and I haven't found a liquor that makes it better.

Hardware

• Pot with lid

Software

• 1 cup Lemon Juice (For me that was about 7 big 'ol lemons)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup water
• 3 pods Star Anise
• 3 Cinnamon Sticks
• 6 pods Green Cardamom

Directions

First a simple syrup out of the spices. Throw spices, sugar, and water into a pot over high heat stirring until sugar is incorporated. Bring to a simmer then drop stove to low. Allow to simmer for about 20 min. Uncover and let syrup cool.

Add syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract together in a storage device, like a quart jar. This is your lemonade concentrate.

Mix one part concentrate to 1-3 parts water. Equal parts water and concentrate creates a strong almost cocktail-like drink, while adding three parts water is more of a refreshing "normal" lemonade.

Bask in the adoration of your friends.