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Elderflower Champagne

Liquids

Elderflower Champagne has been a great love in my life. My mother made it for us as children, great excitement ensued when the occasional bottle exploded in the larder (we have since learnt which bottles not to use!). This recipe comes from a wonderful old book we have called Wild Food by Roger Phillips. You can also make a wonderful summer cooler by adding chilled Tonic Water and ice to the Champagne.

Instead of the regular Elderflower Cordial that every one churns out, Elderflower Champagne uses a lot less sugar and is considerably more exciting. There isn’t a house present more cherished than a homemade bottle of this fabulous brew.

1

For the Mix

Dissolve the Sugar in warm Water and then allow to cool.
Use a large non-reactive container (I use a big clear plastic bucket) and place the Sugar mix, Lemon (juice and rind), Elderflowers, Vinegar and remaining water inside.
Leave covered in a cool dark place for 4 days to brew.

2

Now Bottle

Strain the mix and pour it into bottles, either champagne (I got mine from Lakeland) or screw top bottles (these won’t pop open like normal clip top bottles from the brewing gas).
Leave the bottles in the larder to brew for a minimum of 6 days. After this enjoy them chilled.

Photos by Peony Lim

Travel

Les Toiles Du Sole

Shop

One day during NYFW, after the Alexander Wang show, I was wandering through the streets of NYC and I found Les Toiles Du Sole. The window was filled with colourful stripes that invited me in. I don't find window displays call me into shops very often, so that tells you something about the wonder of their window. I bought a simple navy and white beach bag which I always take on holiday with me. It packs flat and works perfectly as a multi-function bag. See my full NYC guide here.

Les Toiles Du Sole

Inside you find rolls of multi-coloured striped fabric up the walls, espadrilles of every imaginable kind and a bespoke service to create and cover everything in their beautiful and distinct striped patterns.

Fashion

In the Fields

Editorials • On Location • Outfits

I remember so clearly driving through the tiny lanes around my school with rolling hills of yellow surrounding me. Rapeseed makes the most amazing fields when it's in full bloom. The colour looks synthetic it's so vivid. I've wanted to shoot a post amongst the rapeseed flowers for years and finally this year I managed to make it happen. This blue dress was the perfect companion to all the yellow. Although blue and yellow can have naff bananas in pyjamas references, I have always loved it as a summer combination.

What I'm Wearing

Dress Three Floor Fashion (gifted)

Flowers ASOS

Shoes Manolo Blahnik

Photos by Kit Lee