HOMEMADE LEMONADE WITH MATCHA

The first time I made homemade lemonade was in Ballymaloe with Darina Allen. I worked in the café next to Ballymaloe Cookery School during my college summer holidays. At the time I didn't completely appreciate the experience but I clearly remember how passionate Darina was about food.

Here's my homemade lemonade recipe with a Japanese twist with added matcha. If you don't have matcha at home don't worry the recipe still works without it.

 

INGREDIENTS:

200g sugar

200ml cold water

4 large fresh lemons

1 litre of cold water

1 tsp matcha powder

Ice cubes

Lemon slices (to garnish)

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the 200g of sugar and 200ml of water in a saucepan on medium heat until the sugar dissolves (stir to make sure the sugar is completely dissolved into the water).Then, take it off the heat and let cool.
2. Squeeze the juice from 4 lemons into a bowl and then pass through a sieve.
3. When ready to serve pour the sugar water and lemon juice into a large jug. 
4. Add 1 litre of cold water, ice cubes and lemon slices. Use a spoon with a long handle to stir well.
5. Now the homemade lemonade is ready. If you want to add matcha follow point 6.
6. Put 1 tsp of matcha powder is a small cup and add a few tablespoons of cold water. Use a whisk to remove any lumps. Add to the lemonade and mix well.

TIPS:
Taste the lemonade to check if you need to add more or less water.
Goes really well with sake or vodka