Almond syrup refresher (Sirop d'orgeat)

1. Blanch the almonds in hot water, peel them, then grind them finely.

2. Warm the ground almonds with the water in a saucepan and leave to stand for 15 minutes so they release their flavour (almond milk).

3. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth, squeezing well.

4. Add the sugar to the almond milk and cook over low heat, stirring, to a syrup consistency.

5. Once cooled, flavour with a drop of orange flower water – this gives the characteristic French aroma.

6. Pour some of the finished syrup into a glass, top up generously with cold water and serve over ice.

Tip: Orgeat is a classic French syrup made from almonds, sugar and orange flower water – diluted with water it is a refreshing, alcohol-free drink. You need only a few drops of orange flower water, or it overpowers the delicate almond flavour.