virgin Mint Juleps

2 c sugar
2 1/2 c water
2 handfuls of fresh mint, you can use stems too
2 oranges (rind and juice)
6 lemons or equivalent of juice (about 3/4- 1 c)
lime juice
Garnish- Lime, powdered sugar or sanding sugar, mint sprigs
7-up or similar soda

Boil sugar and water 4- 5 min. Add mint and stir until wilted down, cover and let steep for 30 min to an hour.
Strain, reserving liquid. Grate 1 Tbs orange rind and Juice oranges and lemons. Add to mint infusion. At this time you can refrigerate until needed.
 To serve, dip glass in lime juice, then sugar, fill glass 1/3 full with mint syrup and finish filling with soda. Add mint sprig and lime slice.

Yes.... we were lickin the glasses on this one!