Thai Lemongrass Lemonade

Combine water and lemongrass in a pot or saucepan. Boil and add sugar. Stir until sugar has dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Let cool 1 hour and pour into a glass pitcher, straining out the lemongrass stalks. Add lemon, lime juices, and salt. Stir. Add ice to glasses and drink. Serves: 4 (we drank it all and wanted more, see notes below) - this will probably serve more, less thirsty people. *Note: This recipe requires (begs) for FRESH lemongrass. Using old lemongrass (it begins to smell old,or not smell like, well, fresh lemongrass) will cause the lemongrass lemonade to smell like youve used water from the disposal in your sink. Not removing the lemongrass will achieve the same effect, but to a lesser extent. **Second note: The weekend we first tried it, we made and drank it ALL. Made a second batch and drank it. On the third batch, I used old lemongrass and, unfortunately, crocked the double batch. It was bitter, slightly, but I drank it anyway (this batch took a few days to finish). Posted to CHILE-HEADS DIGEST V3 #309 by JOHNION@aol.com on Apr 29, 1997