h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A581131
An article I just cooked up after making my years supply of this rather tasty beverage.
Have a look and try it out!

Kenrick

Aaaaaah! Another Holunder (german)- errr... elderflower fan

I'm using the same recipe, but only with muuuuch more blossom heads (essentially, as much as will fit into the large vessel without reaching above the water). And 20 liters won't last long... Only this year's season is (here in Munich: was) rubbish. It was raining every other day, which left no taste in the elder heads.

Even without fermentation, the same recipe produces a really good lemonade. Just start drinking after the 24 hours of standing time.

The more sugar you use the sweeter it gets (or, after time, the more alcoholic contents is produced). DON'T try to add sugar after having filled the bottles! Even after having *very carefully* opened the bottle (to let the fizz escape), adding sugar to elderflower champagne is a good substitute if you've run out of fire extinguishers! The mess will keep you busy for half a day.

Healthy side effect of elderflower: it lets you sweat. No good idea if you've got a job interview the other day.

Lovely! (entry + champagne)

Bossel (Scout)

Are those corrections?!

At least someone else shares good taste in beverages

Kenrick

Can't see anything to 'correct' there. These are my twopence

Bossel (Scout)

Looks like a good entry to me, though I can't say I care for the drink much myself (our garden used to be FULL of elder trees, those damn berries do stain!).

The berries would be stuff for another entry: elderberry marmelade

Yeah like the entry, nice recipe. Might even try it if I ever take up drinking wine


Technically it can't be called champagne unless it's a sparkling white wine made from grapes grown in the champagne region of France

I know that technically it isn't a champagne but it looks and tastes so much like one, IMHO it should be called a champagne.

As well as making marmelade, you can also make the more potent elderberry wine using the berries.

Kenrick

ooh, then you need this link I guess: http://www.bbc.co.uk/h2g2/guide/A103140 ( cures)

Thanks. I'll put it into a 'Further Reading' section.

Goodun, Kenrick.

Elder is just starting to flower here in southern Ontario. There's a native drink (non-alcoholic) made from the flowers of sumac (Rhus typhina). I wonder what sort of wine that would make.

JTG

Make sure it's not toxic first!

Well done that man, another edited entry is imminent for Kenrick. All that's left is for me to give him a hearty slap on the back and remind him to be patient while it goes through the editing process and that he'll get an email to let him know when his entry is on the front page. Excellent.

Cheers!
I guess the are on me!

Thanks Mr T,

Kenrick

Yes, you should have known

Your 20 litres won't last long, I'm afraid!

* grabs a *

Cheers!

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Congratulations!