Two weeks ago, we went searching for elderflower (not a difficult task – it’s everywhere right now) with our friends Fleur & Fabian, to make or own elderflower sirup (again – Daan made it the week before too, but obviously one can never have enough homemade elderflower sirup, so off we went). Finishing business was done by Fleur (our chef) and I can only say the sirup is great. With water – plain or sparkling – and, if you like, a slice of lemon it’s the perfect refreshing drink for hot summer days. The recipe you can find below (from River Cottage).

Ingredients: about 25 elderflower heads | finely grated zest of 3 unwaxed lemons and 1 orange, and their juice (about 150 ml in total) | 1000g sugar | 50g citric acid 
Directions: inspect the elderflower heads carefully and remove any insects. Place the flower heads in a large bowl together with the orange and lemon zest. Bring 1,5 litres water to the boil and pour over the elderflowers and citrus zest. Cover and leave overnight to infuse. Strain the liquid through a scalded jelly bag or piece of muslin and pour into a saucepan. Add the sugar, the lemon and orange juice and the citric acid (if using). Heat gently to dissolve the sugar, then brig to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes. Use a funnel to pour the hot syrup into sterilised bottles. Seal the bottles with swing-top lids, sterilised screw-tops or corks.