Refreshing drink from the orchard

Plump and heavy, ripe pears add subtle flavour to a favourite beverage with their mouthwatering juice

Homemade pear lemonade

Serves 4

3 ripe Williams pears, cored and quartered, with stems removed 5 large lemons 125g caster sugar still mineral water, chilled, for topping up 1 small bunch mint

Halve and juice four of the lemons into a serving jug, discarding any pips and the peel. Cut the remaining lemon into slices, then halve and quarter them. Pass the pears through a juicer or extract the juice as outlined below. Add the pear juice to the jug, along with the sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Top up with chilled mineral water, stirring well. Add the lemon pieces and mint, stirring briefly before serving.