It’s March. It’s getting warmer (in varying degrees) all across North America. Here in Los Angeles springtime came early, kicking El Niño from his little crib. The trees in my garden would have preferred that Punxsutawney Phil had missed seeing his shadow a bit longer, but facts are facts. Spring is in the air you smell it everywhere. Starting with this black peppercorn-infused gin elderflower punch I’m calling Whiff of Spring for the aromatic breath of sweet elderflower that flavors this springtime libation.
“How warm the sunshine is!” exclaimed a little bud on an elderberry twig. “Yes,” answered her twin sister, “I believe spring has come at last. How glad I am!” All the Year Round: A Nature Reader by Frances Lucia Strong and Martha Allen Lane (1896)
Elderflower Punch
There are two opposing forces in this lighthearted elderflower punch: sweetly etheral elderflower and the unexpected pungency of black peppercorns. Black pepper may have more bite than you’d associate with spring, but it’s always easier to appreciate the warm sunshine when there’s still a nip in the air. Black peppercorn-infused gin brings the nip to this elderflower punch. GREG
Elderflower photo appears courtesy of my editorial partnership with Shutterstock.
Very interesting drink recipe. I’ve always loved elderflower liqueur so this is a no brainer for me to try this mix. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
This sounds fantastic! I am obsessed with elderflower liqueur, and the pepper pairing has me intrigued. I saw so many elderflower trees while exploring Sweden last year, and each day, I would pluck a cluster of flowers to carry with me throughout the day 🙂
For some reason I always like cacio e pepe in the spring (well, any time of the year, but we always seem to have it more in the spring for some reason!). So this is the perfect predinner drink for that. 🙂 Good concoction — thanks.
I’m seeing flowers budding everywhere … spring is indeed on the horizon, and this drink sounds like a delicious way to welcome it. Lovely.
Party time in Tucson! Greg, I am serious — this will be at our next party. It is just the kind of punch that is perfect when the weather gets warm. And we have the St, Germain ready to pour!
The drink sounds interesting, but I’m entranced with peppercorn gin! I can easily imagine the taste. I would think it’d make a fantastic chilled shot or a foil to a glass of lemonade.
Oh honey. You’re speakin’ my language!
Spring has sprung and I love elderberry punch. Germany has a similar version called Maibowle ( May punch) . Prost!