Homemade lemon-flavoured treats to awaken the senses

Your next barbecue needs these homemade citrus-y delights. Just ensure you make enough for a crowd that'll surely demand seconds!

Tart, sweet and oh, so refreshing, this syrup-based lemonade is quick, delicious and cheap.

Makes: one glass

Ingredients

• 50 to 75 ml (1/4 to 1/3 c.) lemonade syrup (see below)
• 175 ml (3/4 c.) cold water
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wedge or fresh mint sprig (optional)

Preparation instructions

In a tall glass, combine the desired amount of syrup and cold water. Stir until they are well blended. Add ice cubes and, if you'd like, garnish with a lemon wedge or mint sprig for colour.

This is the fizzy version of economical lemonade, loaded with bright lemon taste and bubbles.

Makes: four servings

Ingredients

• 4 strips (8 cm/3 in.) lemon zest, cut into thin slices
• 250 ml (1 c.) lemonade syrup ( see below)
• 750 ml (3 c.) chilled club soda, seltzer or sparkling water
• Lemon slices or small fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Preparation instructions

1. In a two-litre (eight-cup) pitcher, combine the lemon zest and syrup to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended.
2. Just before serving, pour in the club soda, seltzer or sparkling water; stir gently to mix the ingredients.
3. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the lemon squash over the ice and, if desired, garnish each serving with a lemon wedge or small sprig of fresh mint.

Lime squash alternative
Prepare as directed above, substituting lime zest and limeade syrup (below) for the lemon zest and lemonade syrup. Garnish with lime wedges or fresh strawberries.

Whip up a batch of this syrup whenever you see lemons on sale, then keep it on hand to make the best homemade lemonade you've ever tasted – in a flash! This makes a much less expensive and better-tasting lemonade than anything you can buy.

Makes: 1.3 litres (5 1/2 c.) syrup

Ingredients

• 750 g (3 c.) sugar
• 250 ml (1 c.) boiling water
• 750 ml (3 c.) fresh lemon juice (about 16 lemons)
• 30 ml (2 tbsp.) grated lemon zest

Preparation instructions

1. In a 1.5 litre (1 1/2 c.) heat-proof container, place the sugar. Add the boiling water, stirring constantly, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Allow the sugar mixture stand until it is cool.
2. Add the lemon juice and zest, and stir until all the ingredients are well blended.
3. Cover the container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Limeade syrup alternative
Substitute 750 ml (3 c.) fresh lime juice and 30 ml (2 tbsp.) grated lime zest and proceed as above.

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