Vanilla Strawberry Cooler

Beverages

INGREDIENTS

1 pound strawberries (1 quart), trimmed and halved
1 cup fresh lemon juice
3?4 cup superfine granulated sugar
4 cups water
1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. Blend strawberries, lemon juice, sugar and two cups water in a blender 1 to 2 minutes (in batches if necessary).

2. Scrape seeds from vanilla bean with tip of a knife into blender (or add extract), then blend with strawberry purée. If desired, pour through a very fine sieve into a pitcher to remove strawberry seeds, pressing hard on solids.

3. Stir in remaining 2 cups water and serve over ice.