Elderflower Gin
Many people, including me, use these fragrant flowers to make Elderflower Cordial but they can also be used to make beautiful floral-flavoured Elderflower Gin. Unlike some flavoured gins, such as Rhubarb Gin, which take a number of weeks to mature before they can be drunk, Elderflower Gin is ready the next day! It is great on its own or with a mixer, such as tonic, or with sparkling wine.
Elderflowers are a good starting point for new “foragers” as they are so widely available and easily recognisable. They are the blossoms of the elder (Sambucus nigra) which is a small tree or shrub commonly found in woodlands and gardens throughout the UK. The small creamy-white flowers are arranged in big clusters and bloom in late May or early June. In autumn, they turn into purple elderberries which also have a range of culinary uses.
Equipment
Jam jar
Elderflower Gin
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 500 ml 1x
- Category: Gin
- Cuisine: English
Description
Add the scent of early English summer to your cocktails with this home-made Elderflower Gin.
Ingredients
- 6 elderflower heads
- 1 strip peel from an unwaxed lemon
- 1 tablespoon of caster sugar
- 500 ml gin
Instructions
- Wash the elderflower heads to remove any insects.
- Put the elderflower heads into the jar together with the lemon peel and caster sugar. Add the gin.
- Allow to infuse for 24 hours.
- Strain through a sieve lined with muslin or kitchen paper into a clean jar or bottle.
- The gin will keep for approximately one month.
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