Traditional Lemon Squash

You can make your own fresh lemon or citrus juice any time of the year for parties or simply for very healthy every day drinking. The best thing about this drink is you know what's gone into it.

Makes: approx 1½ litres
Prep time: 10mins
Cook time: 10mins

Ingredients:

• 4 large juicy organic lemons
• 1 litre water
• 200g sugar

Method:

1. With a peeler, carefully remove all the citrus rind, leaving the white pith, or cut it off afterwards. Place the rind in a large pan with water, bring to the boil and simmer for five minutes.
2. Remove the lemon rind with a slotted spoon and discard. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Then add the lemon juice and stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Pour into sterilised bottles and store in the fridge. Serve over ice, with a sprig of mint and dilute with plain or carbonated water, try about 1/3 at first, or to taste.