This syrup is wonderful to have on hand as a refreshing drink over the festive season. Just add soda water, ration one part syrup to 4 to 5 parts soda water. Of course, a little splash of gin in there is very acceptable for those who want to add a little alcohol to their drink.

Lemon Cordial Syrup

Limes can be substituted for lemons in this recipe, or even 4 medium oranges with 2 lemons.

Ingredients

6 large lemons

1.5 kg sugar

1 tablespoon tartaric or citric acid

1 litre boiling water

Method

Finely grate the lemon rind.  Squeeze the juice from the lemons.

Place the sugar, tartaric or citric acid, lemon rind, lemon juice (doesn’t matter if pips and pulp go in, preferable in fact) and boiling water in a large bowl. 

Stir until the sugar has dissolved. If the sugar doesn’t al dissolve, heat the mixture over low heat only just until it does.

Leave to stand until cool (overnight for preference), then strain through a sieve and pour into sterilised bottles and seal.  Store in the fridge after opening.

Makes 2 litres, approximately