Bursting with sweetness

Ruby ripe strawberries, full of sweet summer flavour, give a colourful twist to home-made lemonade. This refreshing and natural drink is quick and easy to prepare. Using home-made syrup produces a taste that is neither overly sweet, nor tart. To make sugar syrup: place two parts sugar, one part water in a small pan. Bring to the boil, stirring continuously. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat. Allow to cool and thicken before use. To make the lemonade: wash and slice 4 fresh strawberries and crush with 45ml of the syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add 90ml of distilled water, 45ml of freshly-squeezed lemon juice and some ice, and shake well. Fine strain into a tall glass container to serve with washed, whole strawberries. An unsprayed rose head can be added for decorative effect, after rinsing and checking to ensure it is free of insects.