Elderflower syrup is the cornerstone of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage creations. For instance, by diluting the syrup with water and adding ice cubes, along with mint or lemon balm leaves, you can whip up a refreshing drink perfect for beating the summer heat. Moreover, this syrup serves as the base for the renowned and delightful Hugo cocktail. Just mix 1/3 syrup with 2/3 champagne or dry sparkling wine; you can also add a touch of sparkling water from a siphon and garnish with a lemon slice and mint leaves. Ingredients for approximately 2.5 liters of syrup: Begin by gently…

Rumtopf – it’s like capturing summer in a cozy jar, to be opened on Christmas. I start by layering strawberries with a 1:1 sugar ratio and pouring in rum until the berries are covered by two fingers. When the next batch of berries ripens, I add another layer of them, sprinkle with sugar, and pour in more rum. I’ll keep repeating this all summer until autumn, as long as there are fresh berries to add. Then, in the fall, I seal it and let it steep until Christmas. The berries can be used for Christmas baking, and the syrup can…