Homemade Lemonade with Lemon Balm

Children absolutely love this fresh tasting summer drink. If we ever get another hot summers day well then this would be the perfect drink to sip on. Stock syrups can be flavoured with any herb of choice, depending on what use you have for the syrup. I have added lemon balm leaves but alternatively mint leaves could be added. Similar to mint plants, lemonbalm has a tendency to grow almost wild when planted in the garden so it is a good idea to seek out plenty of recipes to use up some of these flavoursome leaves. This recipe can also be made with mint leaves otherwise leave out the lemon balm altogether. Stock syrup is very handy to have in your fridge as it can be used for stewing fruit, for fruit salads and of course
homemade lemonades. The stock syrup will keep in the fridge for months but once made into lemonade it should be enjoyed that day.
For a totally delicious, adult only, treat add a shot of rum with plenty of ice to your glass of homemade lemonade.

Ingredients
Stock syrup
4 lemons
2 oranges
1.5 litres water

For the Stock syrup
450g white granulated sugar
600ml water
5 lemon balm leaves


Method
1. To make the Stock Syrup, dissolve the white granulated sugar in the water over a gentle heat, stirring well. Add the lemon balm leaves and bring to the boil. Simmer for 2 minutes then leave them to cool.
2. Juice the lemons & the oranges; mix well with 450ml of the cooled stock syrup. Add water to taste and top with some ice-cubes.
3. Serve straight away.