Black elder is not famous for its odour, I would say it's rather infamous. Ivory white tiny flowers form quite spectacular inflorescences which a lot of people admire from a safe distance not to be attacked by the very intense smell they give off. However, the slightly repelling characteristic of this handsome bush should be overcome if we want to discover and relish new tastes and aromas. Believed by some ancient cultures to be a sacred plant empowered with magic, black elder offers new ways in culinary experiences both with its flowers in the spring and black berries in the fall. Let's take advantage of the last flowering inflorescences and make a delightful liqueur full of... magic.
It takes some time to get a full grown product but it becomes better with the passing months, so a good deal of patience is required. We need: 30-35 fresh and clean inflorescences (as shown in the photos) of black elder collected from a bush growing in the counrty side. After cutting them off , turn them upside down on a piece of paper to let all little insects dwelling among the flower leave. Do not shake the inflorescences in order not to lose the precious pollen as it contains a lot of good stuff for our health.
In the meantime, while the insects are moving out, take 1 kg (2 pounds) of sugar and 1 litre (2 pints) of water. Mix the two and bring the mixture to the boil. You can substitute half of the sugar with honey. If you like experimenting with tastes add some slices of ginger and one or two sliced lemons (or limes). Boil for 2-3 minutes and let it cool down. When the syrup is almost tepid pour it into a big jar and add the black elder inflorescences into it, stir gently and cover with a lid. Let it stay like that for 3-4 days stirring once a day. On the forth day strain the inflorescences which you can throw away or use in the garden compost pile.
You can save some of the aromatic syrup to prepare drinks but first you need to boil it again and then bottle . If you venture to move one step farther then you have to mix the syrup with at least half a litre of pure spirit. Mix them thoroughly and immediately pour the raw liqueur into dark glass bottles and seal tightly. And now comes the most difficult period: waiting. My advice is - forget about those bottles and deal with some other urgent work in the garden. Two or three months is enough for the liquor to become adolescent, but its full magic reveals only when it matures. I do not want to tell you the real time span but believe me it is worth waiting for.
The elderflower liqueur is never clear because of the pollen. This is the only flaw of this powerful potion which we quickly tend to forget right after the first shot.
In the meantime, while the insects are moving out, take 1 kg (2 pounds) of sugar and 1 litre (2 pints) of water. Mix the two and bring the mixture to the boil. You can substitute half of the sugar with honey. If you like experimenting with tastes add some slices of ginger and one or two sliced lemons (or limes). Boil for 2-3 minutes and let it cool down. When the syrup is almost tepid pour it into a big jar and add the black elder inflorescences into it, stir gently and cover with a lid. Let it stay like that for 3-4 days stirring once a day. On the forth day strain the inflorescences which you can throw away or use in the garden compost pile.
You can save some of the aromatic syrup to prepare drinks but first you need to boil it again and then bottle . If you venture to move one step farther then you have to mix the syrup with at least half a litre of pure spirit. Mix them thoroughly and immediately pour the raw liqueur into dark glass bottles and seal tightly. And now comes the most difficult period: waiting. My advice is - forget about those bottles and deal with some other urgent work in the garden. Two or three months is enough for the liquor to become adolescent, but its full magic reveals only when it matures. I do not want to tell you the real time span but believe me it is worth waiting for.
The elderflower liqueur is never clear because of the pollen. This is the only flaw of this powerful potion which we quickly tend to forget right after the first shot.
Jarek
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