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From Diana Henry’s ‘Salt Sugar Smoke’, published by Mitchell Beazley. 

My mum used to make this every summer – in really big batches – and it would keep us going for ages. It’s really a lemon cordial which you dilute, and is much nicer than anything similar you could buy. It’s also unbelievably economical. Citric acid is available in chemists.

Fills 3 x 1 litre (1 ¾ pint) bottles

2 organic oranges

12 unwaxed lemons

1.3kg (3lb) granulated sugar

55g (2oz) citric acid

1) Finely grate the zest of the oranges and lemons and put into a bowl with the sugar. Add 1.7 litres (3 pints) of boiling water and leave overnight.

2) The next day, squeeze the juice from the citrus fruits and add that with the citric acid. Mix well. Strain and pour into sterilized bottles. Use it like squash, adding water (still or sparkling) to taste. It will keep for two months; refrigerate once opened.

From Diana Henry’s ‘Salt Sugar Smoke’, published by Mitchell Beazley. 

Raspberry Liqueur is the liqueur I use the most. It is very satisfying – and easy – to make your own. I think brandy is better than gin, but use what you have (or can afford). You can make crème de mures (with blackberries) and crème de cassis (with blackcurrants) in the same way.

Fills 1 x 750ml (1¼  pint) bottle

500g (1lb 2oz) raspberries, stalks removed, washed

600ml (1 pint) brandy or gin

about 275g (9 ¾ oz) caster sugar

1) Put the raspberries into a large jar with a lid. Crush the berries (I use a flat-ended rolling pin to do this, as if muddling ingredients for a cocktail). Pour on the alcohol and cover tightly. Leave in a cool, dark place for two months.

2) Strain the spirit through a nylon sieve into a measuring jug. For every 600ml (1 pint) of liquid, add 175g (6oz) of sugar. Mix well, cover and leave for two days, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.

3) Line a nylon sieve with muslin and strain into a bottle. Seal and leave for six months before using. This keeps for a year.