You may have noticed this on area cocktail menus. It's an ingredient everyone says they've been using for years (like that friend who swears they were listening to [insert now-famous band here] "before they went mainstream, bro") — elderflower liqueur.
Other brands are on the market, but the most popular elderflower liqueur, or cordial, is probably France's St-Germain, which arrives in a beautiful vessel that looks as if it's been designed by an Parisian perfumer. The booze inside that work-of-art bottle, however, comes with a price tag of around $35. Not bad to some people I'm sure, but for a cordial, that's a little steep to me. Why not make your own?
I did, using vodka, and it was a good call. The DIY creation turned out delicious, with a higher alcohol by volume than a liqueur to boot. Making elderflower vodka is as simple as infusing your vodka of choice with elderflower tea. I purchased a box at my neighborhood health food store, and you'll need one that lists elderflower as its sole ingredient.
When you're done concocting your new favorite springtime spirit, you'll find it pairs well with lighter flavors, but be sure to incorporate the elderflower booze sparingly. You want it to serve as a complementary element in a cocktail, not the star. For a fresh twist, try adding just an ounce to some of your go-to beverages.
This week, we're using elderflower vodka in the timeless Bellini. Though the cocktail traditionally calls for peach nectar or puree, I thought it'd be tastier with Florida-fresh guava — until I couldn't find any. I decided to go the simpler route with guava kombucha, which I scored at Publix. I highly recommend using a guava juice of some sort if you can get your hands on it; the fruit is a great pairing with elderflower. Enjoy!
Guava-Elderflower Bellini
Makes 1
Elderflower Vodka:
1 750-milliliter bottle vodka
6 elderflower tea bags
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
In a large Mason jar, add vodka and tea bags. Steep for 4 to 6 hours, shaking occasionally. (Don’t shake too violently — you don’t want to burst the tea bags. If you do, strain the vodka before using.) In a small saucepan, add water and bring to a boil. Add sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Allow mixture to reach room temperature. Mix with elderflower vodka and shake before serving.
Cocktail:
2 ounces guava kombucha
1 ounce elderflower vodka
3 ounces Prosecco
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add kombucha and elderflower vodka, then shake very gently for just a second or two. Strain into a champagne flute. Top with Prosecco.
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