How to Make Elderflower Gin Where Is My Spoon from whereismyspoon.co
If you're a fan of gin and love the sweet, floral taste of elderflower, this recipe is for you! Making your own elderflower gin is surprisingly easy and the end result is a deliciously refreshing drink that can be enjoyed on its own, or in a cocktail. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 750ml bottle of gin - 6-8 elderflower heads (make sure they're freshly picked and not starting to wilt) - 1 lemon - 200g caster sugar - 200ml water
Instructions:
1. Begin by gathering your elderflower heads. Make sure they're clean and free from any bugs or debris. Give them a quick rinse if necessary, but avoid washing them too thoroughly as you don't want to lose any of the flavour. 2. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from your lemon. Try to avoid getting too much of the white pith as this can make the gin taste bitter. 3. In a large jar or bottle, combine the gin, elderflower heads, and lemon zest. Give the mixture a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. 4. Seal the jar or bottle and leave to infuse for around 24-48 hours. The longer you leave it, the stronger the elderflower flavour will be. Give it a gentle shake every now and then to help the flavours mingle. 5. After the gin has infused, it's time to make the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the caster sugar and water and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Set aside to cool. 6. Once the sugar syrup has cooled, strain the gin mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the elderflower heads and lemon zest. You should be left with a clear, pale yellow liquid. 7. Add the sugar syrup to the gin and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary. 8. Transfer the elderflower gin to a clean bottle or jar and store in a cool, dark place. It should keep for several months, but it's so delicious you'll probably drink it all before then!
Nutrition:
As with any alcoholic drink, elderflower gin should be enjoyed in moderation. It's important to be aware of the alcohol content and to drink responsibly. One standard serving of gin (30ml) contains around 97 calories and zero carbs, making it a relatively low-calorie option compared to other alcoholic drinks. However, the addition of sugar syrup will increase the calorie and carb count, so bear that in mind if you're watching your intake.
Ways to Enjoy Elderflower Gin:
Now that you've made your own elderflower gin, here are a few ways to enjoy it: - Elderflower G&T: Pour a measure of elderflower gin over ice and top up with tonic water. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint. - Elderflower Collins: Combine elderflower gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, and soda water in a glass filled with ice. Stir well and garnish with a slice of cucumber or a sprig of fresh thyme. - Elderflower Martini: Shake elderflower gin, dry vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel. There are countless other ways to use elderflower gin in cocktails or mixed drinks, so don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combination. Cheers!
