Zingy and thirst-quenching, the grown-ups will want to keep this lemongrass lemonade all to themselves

This lemongrass lemonade is the perfect sip for a leisurely long al fresco lunch – bright, spicy-sweet, and wonderfully refreshing.

Lemongrass brings a deliciously spicy note, similar to the taste profile of ginger, to the lemonade. Serve it over plenty of ice, garnished with fresh mint or a thin slice of lemon for extra flair.

Get the party started and make it alcoholic – simply add a dash of gin or vodka to the glass before pouring over the lemonade for a wonderful cocktail that will pair perfectly with long al fresco lunch dishes.

Ingredients

• Serves 6
• 5 lemons
• 5 limes
• 2 lemongrass stalks
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 lemon leaf (optional)
• Sparkling water
• ¼ tsp salt

The Homes & Gardens method

1. Peel large strips of zest from 1 lemon and 1 lime. Whizz the zests in a food processor with the lemongrass sugar and, if you have one, the lemon leaf.
2. Once well combined, spoon half the sugar into a little serving dish and tip the remainder into a large jug.
3. Squeeze the juice of 4 lemons and 4 limes into the jug with the sugar and stir well to encourage the sugar to dissolve.
4. Slice the remaining (zested) lemon and lime and add them to the juice, then add a good handful of ice cubes and sparkling water to taste.
5. Stir the salt into the reserved zesty sugar.
6. Just before serving the lemonade, dip the rim of the glass into water, then into the sugar.

What summer drink is complete without a beautiful glass to serve it in? Whether you're keeping it alcohol-free or adding a spirited twist, the right cocktail glass can really make this a showstopper. After all, the best cocktail glasses don't just hold your drink – they frame it.