A SHOT OF SUMMER

I've been wanting to write about this for ages - can't tell you how hard it has been to hold it under my hat - but now that summer is (in theory at least) here, the time seemed right.  What 'this' is, is an elderflower liqueur: the scent of blossom, fragrant sweetness and the feel of summer skies ready to be poured in a glass.  Mind you, it's beautiful enough, as it is, in its art nouveau bottle, looking as if you've taken it down from the back of some turn-of-the-century Parisian bar or brasserie, as indeed its name - St Germain - evokes.  Add a few drops to cream as you whip it, to gooseberries anyway you cook them, or to bring seasonal sunniness to a trifle.  Drink it sploshed into vodka or sparkling wine or in place of the gin with some tonic and a slice or spritz of lime, or go all out with Hettie's Cocktail of the Week!

Buy it online in the UK:
Gerry's Wines and Spirits for £18.95
The Drinkshop for £17.85
Ocado for £14.99

Buy it online in the US:
Astor Wines and Spirits for $29.99
Binny's Beverage Depot for $33.99
BevMo! for $31.99
Sam's Wine and Spirits for $35.99
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