Orange with orange flower water

Serves 4

Orange with orange flower water should be served as chilled as possible (LISA BARBER)

This is very similar to spremuta d'arancia – a drink favoured by Italians during the blistering summer months when one craves something sweet and cold.

Although it consists of freshly squeezed orange juice, it is perhaps not as healthy as it first may seem, as it is laced with sugar before being poured over ice. It is the addition of orange flower water (available in supermarkets) that gives it a pretty and ethereal feel.

Transport it as I do in glass bottles with a screw-top lid – any glass bottle in which you have bought water is perfect.

It is important that it is served as chilled as possible, for its flavour is that much better. Ask your greengrocer for oranges that are suitable for squeezing.

1 litre/13/4 pints of freshly squeezed orange juice
3 tbsp caster sugar
2 tbsp orange flower water

Squeeze the orange juice as close as possible to the time of serving. Place in a jug and stir in the sugar and orange flower water. Strain into a glass jar with a screw-top lid and pack in your picnic basket.