Ginger-lime elderflower cordial (AIP)

The flower of the elderberry made into a great summer drink

I was delighted to find few elderberry shrubs, undisturbed, far away from traffic and pollution. The flowers were blossoming and I could not resist the temptation of collecting a good few of them to make all kinds of summer refreshments. Here is one:

To make the ELDERFLOWER-INFUSION you will need (makes about a litre):
1 inch of fresh ginger root
1 litre filtered water
15 elderflower blossoms, umbels (each size of an open palm)

1. Cut the cream-colored, branched elderflowers into smaller clusters.
2. Peel and cut the ginger into thin slices. Put them in a pot, add the filtered water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid and gently cook for 4 to 5 mins.
3. Take the pot off the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
4. Add the prepared elderflowers, cover with a lid and when it has cooled down completely put the pot into the refrigerator. Leave it there for 24 hours.
5. Take the pot out of the fridge and bring to gentle boil. Cook/reheat on low heat for 3 to 4 mins.
6. Filter through a dense sieve. Pour the hot liquid into a prepared glass bottle, allow it to cool down, close the lid and put the bottle into the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Now that your elderflower infusion has cooled down you are ready to make the diluted refreshment.

To make the ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL you will need:
the prepared elderflower infusion
lime, about 2 to 3 slices per person
honey, about 1/2 tsp per person
ice

1. Add a splash of elderflower infusion (about half an inch) into the bottom of the glasses.
2. Add the honey and stir to dissolve (may take a little longer as the elderflower infusion is cold).
3. Add the ice and the lime slices and fill up the glasses with still mineral water. Ready to serve. Enjoy!