My Sicilian ‘Hugo’ – on Robert and Pia’s wedding day :)
Here’s another recipe trophy from our recent trip to sunny Sicily.. When we arrived at the Wedding venue, we were met with a choice of delicious cocktails. I particularly liked this one as it was so light and refreshing in the warm evening. It couldn’t be simpler, is relatively low in alcohol, and makes that bottle of Prosecco stretch to feed a multitude..
Here’s the recipe for this lovely sunny day.. 
EQUIPMENT:
- A large jug
- A measuring jug, for the first lot anyway.
- Long handled spoon – or a wooden spoon, it’s just for stirring..
INGREDIENTS:
- 75mls Elderflower Cordial https://eatingforireland.com/2018/06/14/home-made-elderflower-cordial/
- A bottle of Prosecco (or any sparkling white wine)
- 450-500mls Sparkling water or Soda water
- Ice
- A nice handful of fresh mint, lightly crushed
METHOD: for the first jug:
- Put the ice into the jug.
- Add the Elderflower Cordial, the sparkling water and about a third of the Prosecco – it should be almost full at this stage.
- Lightly crush the mint and add it to the mixture
- Give it all a good stir
- Taste it to make sure you can taste the Elderflower (Cook’s perks 😉 )
- Serve in gin-style glasses, or tumblers
NOTES:
- This is so cooling and refreshing on a warm day, and yet the Prosecco is so diluted that no one’s falling asleep by teatime!
- I found myself a little short of mint today, but I had some fresh Basil handy, so I used that instead. It’s slightly different, but it still has that ‘ Botanical’ vibe!
- Always give the contents a stir if it’s been sitting for a while – just to make sure that the Elderflower cordial is well mixed in.
- Don’t forget to make a jug of my ‘designated driver’s’ version, the Miranda! https://eatingforireland.com/2018/06/11/the-miranda/
- Sit back, enjoy the heat and relax; you’re sorted!
I started writing down recipes in an old copybook when I was about 16. With 6 children at home, my Mother was always glad of a hand in the kitchen, and really allowed us to experiment - as long as we washed up afterwards, and left the kitchen immaculate! Having a tidy kitchen has followed me through my life, as has the habit of writing down my favourite recipes; except that these days I write them for my website, and add photographs when I can. The website really started when it occurred to me that my daughter might like to have these recipes when I've forgotten them. In my early days of cooking for family and friends, I used to phone my Mum all the time to ask her for the recipe for some of our favourite family dinners. She rarely had a recipe to hand - I think, like me, she made a lot of it up as she went along.. So welcome to Eating for Ireland - these are the recipes that my friends and family having been eating these past 40 years.. yes, I truly am ancient! They are tried and tested, and have worked for me for all that time - I have updated them as new ingredients became available - I really hope you'll find something that you can make into a family favourite of your own. You don't have to tell anyone where you found these great new dishes that you're serving up - it can be our little secret, but I'd really love it if you could give me a sneaky 'follow' on Facebook and Instagram.. So off you go - have a good rummage around, you're bound to find something new! My sincere thanks to all of you who have found a recipe that you liked and dropped me a line to tell me - I really do love to hear from you! Happy Cooking! Becks xx