The Elderflower Sour

BY LOCAL MIXOLOGISTS BERNARD and BESS GLAUDE

Belvedere Social will be hosting a daily aperitivo during the Swiss Italian Festa, from 4-6pm, with Salvatore Rossano (piano accordion) and Emiliano Beltzer (guitar) playing Southern Italian songs from 4.30pm on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October.

European in origin, the Elderberry tree producers clusters of delicate lacy flowers in Spring and berries in autumn that can both be used to create syrups that are the perfect addition to many seasonal cocktails.  

Sours are the most traditional of cocktails, mixing a basic spirit (gin, whisky or brandy, lemon juice and simple (sugar) syrup, often shaken with an egg white to give a smooth and delicious mouth-feel. The Elderflower Gin sour uses elderflower cordial in place of syrup, adding a subtle floral sweetness that balances perfectly against the gin and lemon juice. 

Natasha Morgan makes an amazing elderflower cordial using locally foraged flowers, which we use in the bar and can be purchased directly from her in season or you can always try making your own.

INGREDIENTS

45mls of your favourite gin
20ml Natasha Morgan Elderflower Cordial or elderflower syrup
30ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 egg white

METHOD

Place all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice then shake vigorously.

Strain into a chilled martini glass.

STOCKISTS

Natasha Morgan Cordials available at Manteau Noir (Shop 1, 27 Vincent Street Daylesford) and from The Local in Ballarat localcafeballarat.com

A fantastic selection of artisan and well-known gins are available from Celebrations at Foxxy’s Daylesford. 55 Vincent St Daylesford Ph 5348 3577