Prep:45 mins
Cook:15 mins
plus at least 48 hrs infusing
Add a shot of this fruity, fragrant infused vodka to a cocktail or serve simply with lemonade or tonic water
Ingredients
300g gooseberries
20 elderflowers heads, flowers picked and stalks discarded
few strips lemon peel
700ml bottle good-quality vodka
350g golden caster sugar
Method
STEP 1
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.
STEP 2
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.
STEP 3
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.
STEP 4
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.
Source : bbcgoodfood.com