Sparkling Lemon & Limeade

Lemonade is ridiculously easy to make, you can control the amount of sugar for the children and it's a proper crowd pleaser. I've used Agave syrup here. It has a lovely sweetness and it's a brilliant alternative to sugar. Boiling the lemons and limes in their juices releases the precious essential oils from the peel resulting in a punchy, aromatic freshness that you wouldn't get otherwise. Skip it and you'll end up with a drink that's a bit sorry for itself.

RECIPE:

5 unwaxed lemons

4 unwaxed limes

1 cup of Agave syrup

1 litre of sparkling water

a handful of fresh basil & fresh mint

ice

slices of lemon and lime

METHOD:

Squeeze as much juice from the lemons and limes into a pan as you have strength for, along with the pulp and peel. Add the Agave syrup and gently bring to the boil. Remove from heat immediately.

By this time the fruit will have relaxed a little and will happily give up more juice and oils so gently press the fruit with a potato masher to help it on its way. Set aside to cool.

Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, strain to discard the pulp and peel.

Add the basil and mint leaves and if you can, leave the whole thing to muddle for a couple of hours.

Pour your mixture (and basil and mint) into a roomy jug, top up with sparking water, plough it with ice, add fresh slices of lemon and lime and serve.

TIP: Add vodka for grown ups OBVS ; )