Turkey Brine

This first one is the first brine I ever used.  Loved it, but not necessarily all the sugar.  I loved the other one as well, without the sugar.


2 gallons water
1 C sugar
1 C kosher salt
2 lemons
4 bay leaves
3 cinnamon sticks


1 C salt
1 lemon-wedged
1 orange-wedged
1 med onion-wedged
3 cloves garlic
4 bay leaves
1 T thyme
1 T black pepper
1  1/2 gallon water