Gooseberry & Mint Lemonade

Ingredients

 * 250g caster or granulated sugar
 * 3 large lemons, plus more to serve
 * 350g gooseberries, topped and tailed, then halved
 * mint leaves from 3 sprigs, plus extra to serve
 * ice and sparkling water, to serve

Instructions

 * 1) In a large pan, gently melt the sugar in 250ml water.
 * 2) Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, pare away a few long strips of lemon zest.
 * 3) Squeeze the juice to give about 100ml.
 * 4) Add the zest, juice, gooseberries and mint leaves to the pan, and bring to a simmer.
 * 5) Cook for 5-10 mins until the gooseberries are very soft, then mash with a potato masher and leave to cool.
 * 6) Strain through a sieve, pressing the flesh well to extract the juices,
 * 7) Chill thoroughly.
 * 8) To serve, dilute 4 tbsp of the lemonade base with 100ml sparkling water (or to taste), adding extra ice, lemon and mint.