So it’s that time of year where you start thinking about Christmas presents. More specifically, what can you make for presents this year?! A friend at work brought in some elderberries from his garden, and after a quick google search I found this recipe for some elderberry liqueur. I don’t really drink (except for the odd amaretto and cranberry, or a splash of amaretto in hot chocolate) but really fancied having a go at this, and thought it might be a good Christmas gift idea. Not that I’ve ever had an elderberry, so I don’t know what they taste like! According to the recipe I found on Hunter Gardener Angler Cook, it should be a bit like port wine. You need to make sure that when you pick the berries you don’t include any of the storks, as they are slightly toxic apparently. Here goes…

Ingredients

1 pint fresh elderberries (this worked out at 567g/20oz)
1 litre vodka
3 one-inch pieces of lemon rind, white pith removed
Sugar

1. Put elderberries into a large Mason jar and pour over the vodka.

2. Add the lemon rind (make sure the rind has no white pith, as it is bitter.) Seal and put in a dark cupboard for at least a month, or up to 6 months.

3. The alcohol will extract flavor from the elderberries over time, so the longer you let it sit, the inkier it will get.

4. When it is the colour you want – anything from a Pinot Noir color to downright black — pour the vodka through a strainer lined with cheesecloth into another jar and add sugar.

5. How much sugar? At least 1/4 cup, but to your taste; I go with 1/3 cup. Shake to combine and put back in the cupboard.
After a few days or weeks, the sugar will completely dissolve and the elderberry liqueur is ready to drink. It keeps forever.

So I’m currently at step 2 – it’s in my cupboard, doing its thing. Will keep you updated when I add the sugar!