Homegrown drinks & remedies

In her new book, The Modern Gardener, Frances Tophill shows you how to transform herbs and flowers into delicious drinks and natural remedies

- Frances Tophill

Refreshing summer quenchers

Elderflower cordial

Elderflower cordial is a drink that I absolutely relish on a hot, sunny day. It does contain some sugar in order to preserve it successfully, but you can reduce the quantities for a sharper flavour, which I love.

Makes 1 litre

• 20 elderflower heads, freshly opened
• 5 lemons, peeled and chopped
• 5 litres boiling water
• 750g sugar
• 1-5 tsp citric acid, to taste

1 Place the elderflowers and lemon in a large bowl and pour over the boiling water. Cover and leave at room temperature overnight or in the fridge for a few days.

2 Strain through muslin into a large pan and discard the lemon and flowers.

3 Add the sugar and slowly bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

4 Taste the liquid and add citric acid until you are happy with the flavour. I like it quite sour.

5 Pour the liquid into sterilised bottles and store in a cool, dark place. It can keep for months or even a year or two, but look out for mould if you've had it for some time. If you spot mould, don't drink it.

TOP TIP

Try freezing edible flowers, such as borage, viola, calendula, day lily or nasturtium in an ice cube to add a touch of something colourful and personal to your daiquiri or designer G&T

Rosehip vodka