Lemonade or Limeade Base

Preparation

1. In a medium saucepan, stir water and sugar or sugar substitute over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; cool 20 minutes. (If you are in a hurry skip the heat. Instead, dissolve the sugar in room temperature water then go to step #2.)
2. Add citrus peel and juice to sugar mixture. Pour into a jar or pitcher; cover and chill. Keeps for up to 3 days.
3. For each glass of lemonade or limeade, combine 3 ounces base and 3 ounces water in ice-filled glasses. Stir and sip slowly to enjoy. Freeze leftover base in ice cube trays and add to beverages instead of ice.