I have been inundated with a request for instructions on how to make my elderflower syrup so I have decided to reveal my secret elderflower syrup recipe. If people start drinking elderflower syrup instead of coca cola and other over-priced, coloured fizzy water, then I'll be a happy man. If you choose to follow these instructions then you do entirely at your own risk and if you do die while drinking his elderflower syrup, please don't come running to me.

(Click on the images to enlarge them.)

First of all you'll need some elderflowers. Depending on where you live, they could be in flower from late April until the end of July. If you're lucky enough to live in a mountainous area then you could get a supply over a three month period as they blossom later, the further up the mountain you go. Make sure you have the right flower.There are some similar looking plants which will not make a refreshing drink.

Collect them from an area which is well away from roads and any other forms of pollution. Don't pick too many heads from one bush as birds feed on the berries in September. The quantity here is enough for about 3 litres of syrup. (Click on the image to see it in more detail).

Get some lemons rather than a plastic bottle of lemon juice. Try to get ones that are untreated - check out your local bio store - with regular lemons, the peel is covered in loads of chemicals. Rinse them to get rid of the dust.

You'll need a lot of sugar. I use a five kilo bag of sugar with three litres of water. Yes, it is a lot but that preserves the drink, no bugs can live in it. Add the three litres of water and heat it- not because it needs cooking but simply to dissolve the sugar.

While you're waiting for the sugar to dissolve, grate the lemons. Try not to get too much pith as this will affect the taste. Once grated, throw the lemon peel into the sugary solution.

For part two click on elderflower syrup 2