Homemade Lemonade

Preparation time : 20 minutes,
Standing And Chilling Time : 2 1/2 hours,

Serves 8

Ingredients
10 large lemons
4 oz (115 g) caster sugar
1 lime
Sprigs of mint for decoration
method

1. Pare the rind from 9 of the lemons using a vegetable peeler. Take care to avoid the white pith. Squeeze out and strain the juice to make up 3/4 pint (450ml).

2. Put the lemon rind into a large, heatproof bowl, add the sugar and pour in 2/6 pints (1.4 litres) of boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then cover and leave to stand for 30 minutes.

3. Strain the lemon liquid into a large jug and stir in the lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours, until it is really well chilled.

4. Place a big block of ice or ice cubes into a large serving jug. Cut the remaining lemon and the lime into slices and add to the jug. Pour the lemonade into the jug and decorate with mint leaves.

This lemonade will keep in the refrigerator for a week, but avoid adding any ice before storing as this will dilute the flavour. Add soda water to add a bit of a fizz.