Homemade Lemonade

Steps

1. 1
   Pare the zest of 4 of the lemons in wide strips with a vegetable peeler, leaving the bitter white pith behind.
2. 2
   Put the zest and sugar in a heatproof jug and muddle hard for a minute with the end of a rolling pin, to bruise the zest and release its oil.
3. 3
   Bring 250 ml of the water to the boil, pour it over the zest and stir until the sugar dissolves. Leave to steep for 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Meanwhile, squeeze all the lemons: you need about 250 ml of juice.
5. 5
   Strain the syrup into a large jug, pressing on the zest, then stir in the lemon juice and the rest of the water, cold.
6. 6
   Taste and add a little more sugar or water to your liking. Serve over ice with a sprig of mint in each glass, or chill until needed.