Ok so I was working through the list of seasonal foodstuffs and possible recipes and thought I should cut to the chase and get to the best bit first – the drinks!
Following on from the success of my Rhubarb Mojito here’s a couple more ideas incorporating seasonal, locally available ingredients. These will be ideal alongside the mojito for those entertaining during Open Gardens.
Elderflower Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 30ml of gin
- Prosecco
- elderflower cordial
- ice
Method
- Fill a cocktail,or wine glass with ice. Add the lemon and lime juice, the gin, then a good splash of elderflower cordial
- Fill the rest of the glass with Prosecco then have a taste (you want about 2/3 Prosecco to 1/3 everything else)
- Add more elderflower if it’s too tart for you. Garnish with a few berries or a few slices of strawberries
Of course at this time of year you can make your own elderflower cordial as the Elderflowers are blooming everywhere around the area.
Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) hulled strawberries
- 300g (10oz) caster sugar
- Juice 5 lemons
- Still or sparkling mineral water, to dilute
- Sliced limes and strawberries, and sprigs of mint, to serve
Method
- Put the hulled strawberries, caster sugar and lemon juice into a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve into a large bowl and stir thoroughly to ensure all the sugar dissolves.
- You can transfer the cordial to a large bottle or storage container until needed.
- Dilute with still or sparkling water (about 1 part cordial to 4 parts water) and serve with ice, lime and strawberry slices and sprigs of mint.
and the best bit – If you fancy making it into a cocktail, simply add vodka to taste!
Stay tuned for some recommendations of seasonal foods and recipes
Mich x
PARWICH.ORG 
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