Kerrouet Tonic

Well after all that feasting and alcohol abuse we need to detox a little and so it's appropriate that I share a little secret with you. Way back in May of last year when the early rays of the spring sunshine were upon us, Poul and I went foraging deep into the Kerrouet countryside. We were on the search for rich scented elderflower petals. It's very important to collect the petals well before midday when their flavours are most wholesome. The undulating countryside around Kerrouet (Cotes d'Armor) is particularly suited to this search as the north facing hills tend to preserve, prolong and enrich the elderflower trees. Take a good size basket to collect the elderflower petals as you don't want to damage them in transit. When you get home, gently remove the petals from their stems and wash in cold water. Follow the following recipe:

Take 30 elderflower petals, 2 organic lemons, 1 lt water, 1 kilo of cane sugar, and 2 ts of citric acid. Boil the water in a large saucepan. Add the sugar, citric acid and sliced lemons to the boiling water and then add the elderflower petals. Allow to cool and store in a refridgerator for 4 days. On the fourth day, strain the juice from the pulp and pour the syrup into sterilised bottles. Keep in a cool place.

You are now in a marvellous position as you have the magic ingredient for making a whole host of super summer drinks and cocktails. We have found that simply adding tonic and ice to the elderflower syrup gives you a very refreshing non alcohol cocktail. We call this Kerrouet Tonic and it was invented here at Kerrouet House!

Other drinks we have developed using our home made traditional elderflower cordials are as follows:

Kerrouet G&T

1 part elderflower syrup
1 part gin
5 parts tonic
3 ice cubes
1 slice of lime or lemon

Kerrouet Kir

1 part Kerrouet elderflower syrup
5 parts white wine

We recommend that for the next few months you drink more of the Kerrouet Tonic so that your body can detox a little!! Enjoy.