Gooseberry and Elderflower Cordial

Photo of elderflower soda from Micheile Henderson from Pexels

Gooseberry and elderflower cordial is a delightful and refreshing beverage that combines the tartness of gooseberries with the floral essence of elderflower. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, you can create a homemade cordial that is both flavorful and invigorating. The tangy gooseberries and delicate elderflower petals infuse the syrup, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own over ice, mixed with sparkling water, or used as a base for cocktails, gooseberry and elderflower cordial offers a delightful combination of sweet and floral notes that will quench your thirst. Embrace the creativity of making this homemade cordial and savor its deliciousness with every sip.

Photo of elderflower soda from Micheile Henderson from Pexels

Gooseberry and Elderflower Cordial

Monica from Eat Sleep Wild
Gooseberry and elderflower cordial is a delightful and refreshing beverage that combines the tartness of gooseberries with the floral essence of elderflower.
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Course Drinks

Ingredients
  

  • 10-12 freshly picked heads elderflower (or more if you pick smaller florets)
  • 600 g granulated sugar (1 lb 5 oz)
  • 600 ml water (20 fl oz)
  • 250 g green gooseberries, topped and tailed (9 oz)
  • 2 unwaxed lemons (or 1 unwaxed lemon and 20g (¾oz) (maybe less) citric acid)
  • Soda or sparkling water (to serve)

Instructions
 

  • Pick over the elderflower heads, trimming the flowers away from the stalk and shaking out any insects.
  • Put the sugar in a large saucepan and add the measured water. Heat over a low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Bring to the boil and add the gooseberries.
  • Simmer for 7–8 minutes, then take off the heat.
  • While the gooseberries are simmering, finely pare the rind of the lemon(s) and slice the flesh. Swirl the elderflowers gently in a bowl of cold water.
  • Remove the elderflowers from the water and add to the sugar syrup along with the lemon rind and slices and the citric acid, if using. Stir, lightly cover with a clean tea towel and leave in a cool place overnight.
  • Strain the cordial through a fine sieve into a wide-necked jug or bowl. Pour the cordial through a funnel into 2 x 75cl) sterilized glass bottles and seal. Store in the refrigerator and consume within a month. You can also freeze the cordial in plastic bottles, though remember to leave some headspace to allow the liquid to expand.
  • To serve, dilute to taste with soda or sparkling water.

Notes

Makes about 1.5 litres
Note: using citric acid will increase the shelf life. Tip from Fiona: “You can make the cordial without citric acid if you’re not intending to keep it for long, but don’t overdo the lemon, otherwise it will just taste like lemonade.”
This recipe is courtesy of Monica from the Eat Sleep Wild blog.

Elderberry Syrup

Photo of dark purple elderberry berries
Making elderberry syrup at home with fresh ingredients is both simple and rewarding. The process involves gathering plump elderberries and simmering them with a few other natural ingredients. The resulting syrup is not only delicious but also packed with potent medicinal benefits. Elderberry has been treasured for centuries due to its immune-boosting properties, making it a perfect addition to your wellness routine. With just a little effort, you can whip up this nourishing syrup in your own kitchen, providing your family with a homemade elixir that is both satisfying and beneficial.

 

Photo of dark purple elderberry berries

Elderberry Syrup

Amy from Amy's Miscellany
Elderberry has been treasured for centuries due to its immune-boosting properties, making it a perfect addition to your wellness routine.
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Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Drinks, Ingredient

Equipment

  • 1 Steam juicer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb fresh, ripe elderberries
  • 1 cup honey (or maple syrup or date syrup)
  • 2" piece fresh ginger root (shredded)
  • Optional additions: cinnamon stick, cloves, turmeric root, thyme, sage, rosemary, etc. (get creative by adding any medicinal herb/spice you like!)

Instructions
 

  • Remove stems from fresh elderberries.
  • Place elderberries in the top part of a steam juicer. Steam for 30 minutes until the juice is running freely. Press berries lightly to release as much juice as possible.
  • Draw off the hot juice into a saucepan. You should have about 4 cups of juice. Add ginger (and any additional/optional ingredients except the honey) to the saucepan.
  • Simmer the juice with the ginger at a low temperature for 30 minutes until the juice is reduced to 2 cups. Remove the juice from the heat. Pour the juice through a mesh strainer to remove the ginger/other ingredients.
  • Add 1 cup of honey to the strained, reduced juice and stir well to combine. Pour into prepared sanitized bottle with tight-fitting lid. Label.
  • Keep refrigerated with lid firmly on. Will keep for several weeks in the fridge but also freezes nicely up to 6 months!

Notes

How To Use Elderberry Syrup: Adults can take 1 tablespoon of syrup at the first sign of a virus. Children who are able to have honey (over the age of 1) can take 1 teaspoon at the sign of infection. Take every 3 hours (up to 5 times daily) until symptoms are resolved.
Notes on Elderberries: Raw elderberries can cause stomach discomfort in some people - the problem is in the seeds. You must boil the berries for 30 minutes to remove the poisonous compound.
This recipe is courtesy of Amy from Amy's Miscellany (@amysmiscellany on Instagram)