Elderflower Gooseberry Vodka Recipes

ELDERFLOWER & GOOSEBERRY VODKA

Steps:

• Divide the gooseberries between two 1-litre jars and very lightly bruise with the handle of a wooden spoon. Add the flowers, top with the lemon peel and pour over the vodka. Submerge the elderflowers with a circle of baking parchment and seal with a lid. Leave to infuse for at least 48 hrs or up to 1 week.
• Once infused, line a sieve with kitchen paper and set over a large bowl. Pour in the vodka, then discard the strained berries and flowers.
• Tip the sugar into a pan with 350ml water and gently heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn up the heat, bring to a simmer and cook until syrupy and reduced by half - about 10 mins. Cool to room temperature, then add 100ml to the elderflower liquor. Stir well and taste, adding more until you are happy with the sweetness.
• Decant the vodka into bottles and store in a cool, dark place. It will keep for years, but the flavour will diminish after a year.

GOOSEBERRY & ELDERFLOWER FOOL

Steps:

• Wash the gooseberries thoroughly, top and tail them, then place in a wide heavy-bottomed pan with the sugar, cordial and lemon juice. Simmer over a gentle heat until all the gooseberries have burst.
• Lightly crush with a fork, tip into a bowl to cool and chill for at least 2 hrs. This can be done up to 2 days ahead.
• Lightly whip the cream to a soft dropping consistency, then swirl in the cooked gooseberries to give a rippled effect. Spoon the fool into glasses and chill until you are ready to serve.

GOOSEBERRY & ELDERFLOWER FIZZ

Steps:

• Tip gooseberries and sugar into a cocktail shaker or large jam jar with a lid. Using the end of a rolling pin, mush the gooseberries and sugar together. Add lemon juice, cordial and 4 ice cubes, pop on the lid and shake well. Strain into glasses and top up with white wine, then stir before serving.