Gooseberry & Elderflower Gin (or vodka)

Before the gooseberries and elder flowers are over use them to make this quickly infused gin/vodka that really does bring out the flavour of summer

Ingredients

• 360g gooseberries
• zest of 2 lemons
• 6 large elderflower heads
• 350g caster sugar
• 75cl  gin or vodka

Method

1. Tumble the gooseberries into a large jar.
2. Bash (or muddle if you feel like being polite) the gooseberries with the end of a rolling pin until they are slightly burst
3. Add the zest of 2 lemons and the caster sugar
4. Snip the florets of flowers off the elder flowers (too much stalk makes the drink bitter) and stir push down everything firmly to combine
5. Pour over gin or vodka and leave for 24-48 hrs to steep   Time depends on who pronounced you like the taste of elderflower to be.
6. Strain through a sieve and cloth (clean jcloth or muslin) into a bottle and enjoy with tonic.   It also works well combined 50:50 with apple juice and slices of cucumber to make an English Garden Gin cocktail – top with a sprig of mint if you want to be fancy!!