Elderflower Champagne

Perfect for functioning alcoholics in search of an alternative, you have to try elderflower champagne...

......New! Watch the Elderflower Champagne movie......

It may only be a couple of percent booze, and it bears scant resemblance to its French namesake, but it's marvellous. You'll need:

• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 Large Elderflower heads
• 500g sugar
• 6L water
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 Large container
• Filter paper or muslin

First dissolve the sugar in a pint of boiling water, pouring the solution into your large container. Then add 5 litres or so of cold water, followed by the lemon slices (squeezing a few drops from each into the bowl), Elderflower and vinegar.

Cover the mixture and leave for 48 hours, stirring occasionally. When ready, filter the mixture into bottles (plastic or glass, but screw-top), close firmly, and leave.

It is a good idea to release some of the air occasionally to prevent explosions. The 'champagne' will be ready in about two weeks, but it is alleged to improve with time...