Cordial

750g/3 cups sugar
1.2 litres boiling water (I used water straight from kettle instead of boiling on stovetop and it was better I found)
2 TB Citric Acid
1 tsp natural essence (Hansells does a range of natural, colour-free essences like orange, raspberry, strawberry, passionfruit, peppermint etc)

Dissolve sugar and citric acid in boiling water. Stir in essence. Makes approx 1.5 litres.

** Haha how easy is that??!!! OK my variation is below - less sugar, more essence.... **

2 cups sugar
1.2 litres boiling water
2 TB citric acid
1-2 TB natural essence
Mix as above.

** I found out by accident that less sugar (because I ran out) and more essence (because I was showing mum how to mix the same batch up and told her 2 TB instead of 2 tsp) actually works just as well. Its not as sweet but thats not a bad thing and because of the stronger flavour you can use less of it therefore making it go furthur!! Don't let the kiddies mix it up though - Jake would totally drink it straight if he could. Its really yummy - especially the orange flavour!!! I use PET bottles and make double batches and freeze them then just let them defrost in the fridge along with the bread and muffins and things as we go through them at a similar rate. Good for the fridge because it helps keep it cool thus saving power ;) its all about the savings! **