Wash lemons and peel lemon rinds with a potato peeler. Reserve lemons for later. Add lemon rinds and cover with sugar, stir to combine. Cover and let sit for 12 hours.
Bring water to a boil. Once water is boiling, remove from heat and add lemon-sugar mixture. Stir and let sugar dissolve for 3-5 minutes.
Pour through a strainer and back into the same bowl. Discard lemon rind. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Cut lemons in half and squeeze juice into your pitcher of choice. Pour water mixture into pitcher to combine. Chill for at least two hours and serve over ice!
Add sliced lemons to your glass for the full fair effect!
