This drink pairs well with salad. It combines the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweet flavour of ripe strawberries.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, from about 6 to 8 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon, optional
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water, divided
• Plenty of ice cubes, to serve
• Fresh strawberry slices and lemon rounds, to garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, optional

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave the syrup to cool.
2. Place the chopped strawberries in a blender and blend until smooth. For seedless lemonade, press the purée through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Otherwise, leave it unstrained for extra texture.
3. Roll the lemons firmly on the worktop before cutting them to help release their juice. Squeeze until you have 1 cup of juice.
4. In a large jug, combine the lemon juice, strawberry purée, cooled syrup, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. If using lemon zest, add it now. Stir well.
5. Taste and adjust. If it is too tart, add a little more sugar, stirring until dissolved, or a splash of water. If it is too sweet, add a little extra lemon juice.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend. Pour into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with lemon rounds, strawberry slices, and mint, if using.