Drink, be merry

THE KITCHEN garden is full of vegetables begging to be eaten. We’re surrounded by divine summer fruit: raspberries, strawberries, boysenberries, loganberries, red currants, white currants and the last of the gorgeous ripe gooseberries.

Its so frustrating that there aren’t enough mealtimes in which to eat all the midsummer’s bounty. We’re desperate to trap the flavours and preserve as much as we possibly can.

Of course, we are making jams, tarts and preserves but we’re also having lots of fun making ratafias, liqueurs and fruit cordials.

Homemade lemonades and cordials are brilliant for those who enjoy something which won’t blow your brains out and produces zero hangover.

They are so easy to make and make brilliant presents. I can’t imagine why more people don’t indulge.

Serve to taste with wine or prosecco, fizzy or still water.

* Elderflower cordial is available from the Ballymaloe Cookery School stall at Midleton Farmers’ Market.