Elderflower Cocktail with Aquavit for Midsummer

I can’t believe it’s summer already- the flowers have sprung and the bees are buzzing with happiness all around us. It’s only a short week and I’m off to the wonderful Italian country side- Tuscany. As much as I love the Nordic region- travelling lies close to my heart. Experiencing new cultures, new food and meeting new people is pure bliss. It’s what makes me grow as a person. It’s my way to understand the world in another perspective- a better perspective.

With summer comes the most beloved Swedish tradition- Midsummer. Do you remember how I talked about the Norwegian national day and how greatly we Norwegians treasure it? Well, midsummer does the exact same thing to the Swedes. They don’t celebrate their national day as much as we do, but they sure know how to celebrate summer. A tradition I want to adopt and treasure just as much as they do.

Imaging setting a long table with natural linen, flowers and serving delicious food with all the fruits and berries the season has to offer. A great way to bring both family and friends together, having one big party to celebrate summer and st.hans.

How will you spend midsummer this year?

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Elderflower Cocktail

Ingredients

Elderflower juice

30 tops of elderflower

2 lemons

1/2 kg sugar per litre liquid (organic, coconut sugar or honey will work)

25 g tartaric acid

Cocktail

6 cl aquavit

5 cl elderflower juice

a splash of lime

ice cubes

Direction

1. Put elderflower in a pot with stems and all.
2. Bring water to a boil in a boiler or seperate pot.
3. Pour the boiling water over the elderflower and let sit for 2-4 days in the fridge. I prefer 2.
4. Shift the flowers from the liquid and add sugar, lemons and tartaric acid.
5. Bring to a boil and let simmer until the sugar is dissolved.
6. Let cool and transfer to clean glass bottles.
7. For the cocktail mix elderflower juice with aquavit and lime in a shaker with ice.
8. Strain and serve in decorated cocktail glasses.

Notes

You can easily make it non alcoholic by omiting the aquavit. Why not try with a good quality apple juice in stead?

I love everything sour- the sour the better. If it’s too sour for you, add some syrup!

Courses Drink