Elderflower Gin Food

GIN AND ELDERFLOWER MARTINI

Steps:

• Remove 8 thin strips of zest from the lemon using a vegetable peeler and set aside. Thinly slice the lemon into rounds and put into a small saucepan along with the sugar and 1/3 cup water. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Let cool at room temperature and strain.
• Rub a strip of zest around the rim of 8 martini glasses, and then drop into the bottom of each glass for garnish. Combine the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon syrup and ice in a measuring cup or pitcher and stir until very cold. Strain into the prepared glasses.

ELDERFLOWER & CUCUMBER G&TS

Steps:

• Peel 2 long strips from the piece of cucumber and put in a small tupperware for transporting. Grate the remaining cucumber into a sieve set over a bowl and press down on it with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Add the elderflower cordial and gin to the cucumber juice and put in a bottle ready for travelling. At your picnic, wind the strips of cucumber around inside 2 glasses, pour in a quarter of the cucumber gin mixture, and top up with with a quarter of the bottle of tonic water to serve.

ELDERFLOWER SPRITZ

Steps:

• Fill a tumbler with ice, then pour over the elderflower liqueur.
• Add the gin and prosecco, then top up with soda water and garnish with lime slices to serve.

ELDERFLOWER GIN FIZZ

Steps:

• Pour the lemon juice, elderflower cordial, gin and elderflower liqueur (if using) into a cocktail shaker. Add a large handful of ice and shake until the outside of the shaker feels icy cold.
• Strain the cocktail into two champagne flutes or coupes, then top up slowly with sparkling wine. Garnish each one with a small sprig of lemon thyme or a mint leaf.