The Epicure's Almanac or Diary of Good Living
September 10th : ELDER WINE
In two gallons of water boil one gallon of elder berries for one hour, or until the berries sink. For every gallon of liquor provide three pounds and a half of sugar; strain the liquor over the sugar; when nearly cool add a little yeast. The next day put it into a cask, and let it work till it has ceased to make any hissing noise.
Boil two or three cloves of ginger, a few cloves, and some allspice, for a short time; then put them in a muslin bag, adding a pebble, that the spice may sink to the bottom of the cask. Bung down close.
If you make nine gallons of wine, you will require about four and a half ounces of the above spice for that quantity. The addition o fa few sloes or damsons will be found a great improvement.