When home in England in June I fell head over heels for chilled, sparkling
Elderflower drinks. They seemed to be easily available and perfect for
the beautiful warm days we encountered during our days in Devon.
Not being a 'soda' drinker at all, I found a chilled bottle of this
very slightly bubbly, floral and lemon drink perfect for my taste.
The Elder is an ancient hedgerow plant steeped in superstition and mystery.
All parts, bark, leaves, flowers, berries have been used for centuries for
medicinal purposes, and folklore attributes many powers and properties
to this plant.
Now back in the US I've been looking for a similar drink for these
hot days and found (at my local Fresh Market store) the Belvoir Fruit Farms
version, imported from England, and ready to drink.
I have yet to find the cordial over here - a concentrated version which would
last longer and give one more options, such as adding to white wine for a
refreshing spritzer. I have however added a dash of chilled sauvignon blanc to a
glass of this elder flower lemonade and enjoyed it as an aperitif!
Go HERE for more detailed facts and folklore on the Elder plant - shared by
Belvoir Fruit Farms.
We all love water, but what's your favorite flavored chilled drink for these hot Summer days?
I'm ready for a cool one right now!
Yesterday I found Belvoir Elderflower CORDIAL at my nearby World Market store! I was so pleased because this is the concentrated version - an infusion of freshly picked flowers plus lots of fresh lemon juice - which can be used mixed with still or sparkling mineral water, or mixed with white wine for a spritzer. I bought two bottles as the sell by date is Nov. 2016 - open one now and keep one tucked away for later.
There are also some interesting recipes using the cordial in desserts, baked goods etc. on Belvoir Fruit Farms website. Elderflower and Lemon Drizzle Cake sounds really yummy.
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