Mint syrup with water (Menthe à l'eau)

1. Pick the fresh mint leaves off the stalks and crush them briefly so they release their essential oils.

2. Boil the sugar with a little water until it becomes a clear syrup.

3. Drop the mint into the hot syrup, turn off the heat and steep, covered, for 15 minutes.

4. Strain the syrup and freshen it with a drop of lemon juice (this keeps it bright green and fresh).

5. Pour some of the mint syrup into a glass and top up generously with cold water.

6. Serve cold with ice cubes and a sprig of fresh mint.

Tip: Menthe à l'eau is the refreshing, bright-green classic of French cafés – homemade mint syrup is far more aromatic than shop-bought. The mint gives the most flavour when steeped in the hot syrup.