If it's June, we must drink elderflower champagne.

We arrived at the house yesterday and the first thing I did was check the elderflower champagne. One year it turned moldy instead of delightfully effervescent (rain had washed away the naturally occurring yeast in the pollen), and I've feared a repeat ever since. Not to worry! Both batches were fizzy and smelled deliciously of the essence of elderflower.

This morning I strained and bottled nine liters, and already the bottles are filling up with carbonation. This batch will be ready to drink within a few days.

I'll bring a few bottles to NH for Mum's birthday lunch next week. I'm thinking cocktails with St. Germaine and homemade elderflower champagne. Garnished with a strawberry from Sarah's garden, perhaps?