Foraging - Czech Elderberry Rum

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At this time of flus and colds I turn to my Czech neighbour's cold remedy. Like Lily The Pink's medicinal compound the remedy is most efficacious in every way. It soothes sore throats, acts as a cough medicine, boosts energy and vitamin c levels, and makes you mellow. 

There are four main ingredients: elderberries, rum, coffee, and sugar. I don't know the proportions. I just pick a load of elderberries. Make sure you remove the stalks and leaves, as these contain cyanade. Place the berries in a cafetierre, add a small amount of boiling water and then press down the plunger. The extracted juice is added to a saucepan in which are a load of sugar, a teaspoon of vanilla, and half a bottle of rum (gin or vodka will also do). The mixture is heated until all the sugar is dissolved. The last ingredient is a small cup of black coffee. If necessary sieve and pour into sterilised bottles. Store ready for the cold and flu season, if you can wait that long.


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