Homemade lemonade

It is today the end of the summer I think as I would call it, then night are drawing in and we have a chill in the air. But if you do not want to let go of summer just yet and just want it to last that little bit longer them why not make yourself some homemade lemonade. It is easy and the kids love it, also as they say if life serves you lemons make lemonade. Also if you like use vodka or gin in to the mix and this is a wicked punch for a party.   

You will need

100g/3½oz fruit sugar

The juice of 4 lemons

Ice

1 litre/15¼floz sparkling mineral water or soda water

1 lemon

Now I am told that the best lemons for this are Sicilian lemons. I do not know if that is true but you need nice juicy lemons. Now I put my lemons in the microwave for a few seconds before I cut and squeeze, it make the job a little easier if doing it by hand.

Then add the lemon juice to the sugar, now you can add the water and stir it in or you can do what I do. On a gentle heat slowly melt the sugar into the lemon juice so you get a syrup, add a little water if you have to.

Then add this to a large jug, take the whole lemon and cut that into slices and add that to the jug. Then lots of ice and top up with the sparkling water. Then just stir a few times so everything is combined.

If you like more lemon zing then use more lemons. Or try to make it with oranges for a change, or pink grapefruit.