Taken from ‘Neal’s Yard Remedies – Cook, Brew & Blend Your Own Herbs’ (Ed. Susannah Steel, 2011, DK, London). ‘This is a useful winter tonic: elderflowers, elderberries and fresh ginger enhance the body’s defence mechanism that ward off seasonal colds and flu conditions, aniseed gently clears the lungs, and ginger and cinnamon bring warmth to the body. Sugar moistens the respiratory passages and alleviates the dry cough often caused by central heating.’
Makes 500mls of Elderberry & Elderflower Cordial
Ingredients
- 50g fresh or dried Elderflowers
- 100g fresh or dried Elderberries (if using dried, rehydrate in water first)
- 1 small stick of Cinnamon
- 1 tsp of Aniseed
- 1 tbsp fresh Ginger root, grated
- 400g sugar, white or brown as preferred
- Juice of ½ Lemon
Directions
- Place all the ingredients except the sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan, add 1 litre of water (prefereably filtered). Cover, and simmer over a very gentle heat for 20-30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a measuring jar. Decant 600mls into a saucepan and add the sugar (any additional liquid can be drunk as a tea).
- Stir gently until all the sugar has dissolved, add the lemon juice and simmer gently, uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Bring to the boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Pour into sterlized bottles whilst still hot, seal and label.
- Keep refrigerated and use within 4 weeks.
- As with the syrup it can be added to still, sparkling or hot water, or drizzled onto pancakes, ice-cream or breakfast cereal.