ELDERFLOWER CHAMPAGNE

ELDERFLOWER CHAMPAGNE

It’s been years since I made this summery, refreshing fragrant drink and it’s such a fantastic alternative to any shop bought fizz and is very light in alcohol so is a lot of fun.

Ingredients

8 elderflower heads

Pared zest and juice 1 small lemon

465g  coconut blossom sugar

4 tsp white wine vinegar

 

You’ll also need…

Muslin

2 x 2 litre plastic drinks bottles (see bottling tips, below)

Large funnel

Glass bottles for decanting before serving – optional

 

Method

Give the freshly picked elderflower heads a shake, then inspect and remove any insects. Put the elderflowers in a large bowl, add the lemon juice and toss with the pared zest, sugar and vinegar. Gently pour over 3 litres tepid water and stir to dissolve the sugar. Put in a cool dark place, loosely covered with fine muslin, for 24 hours to infuse.

Working in batches, strain the mixture into a jug through fine muslin, then pour into the plastic bottles using the funnel. Leave a generous gap of about 5cm at the top of each bottle and seal tightly.

Leave to ferment in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, checking on it regularly and checking  the bottles if necessary, then transfer to the fridge (see Make Ahead). Serve chilled. It will be around 1.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).

 

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