Elderflower Champagne

The Elderflower tree is in full bloom and it is time to make Elderflower Champagne. Despite the name this is a non-alcholic drink which is very refreshing and very fizzy. Lots of recipes for on the web here is the one I use:

Elderflower Champagne

5 Elderflower Blooms
4 liters (1 gallon) of water
600g (1 and quarter lb) of Sugar
2 Lemons
2 Tablespoons of White Wine Vinegar

1. Boil the water and dissolve the sugar. Allow to cool.
2. Once cooled add Elderflower blooms.
3. Then Juice of one lemon.
4. Slice other lemon and add.
5. Finally add White Wine Vinegar
6. Leave for 24 hours. A covered bucket will do.
7. Strain through muslin into screw top bottles.
8. Leave for 10 days to a fortnight.

The drink works by making use of the natural yeasts that live on the Elderflower blooms. They are really good at making carbon dioxide, hence the fizz. However can be a tad too good. It is best to use plastic bottles, glass ones can explode. I know it sounds odd, but plastic is stronger for this. Once made, drink, and use within a month, this will not be a problem. Recipie scales well.