Elderberry Cordial Recipe: For pleasure and health

Elderberries and elderflowers are delights from the same Sambucus tree, that present themselves at different stages of the growing season. While elderflowers are regularly celebrated as gifts of spring and made into cordial and other tasty drinks, the tree’s autumnal second offering of elderberries is easily, and mistakenly overlooked. And this means missing the delight and benefits of elderberry cordial.

This delicious homemade cordial is a delightful and refreshing drink. It is perfect for sipping in the summer sunshine or enjoying on a cold winter day. But it’s more than just delicious – this venerable beverage has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits. From helping reduce inflammation to boosting the immune system, learn why elderberry cordial has stood the test of time. And why you should give this drink a try today!

More praise for the humble but powerful elderberry cordial

This delicious and versatile elderberry cordial recipe offers a surprisingly easy way to make the most of this distinctive fruit. Whether you’re looking to add a kick of flavour to your favourite drinks or want to try out an old-fashioned remedy for coughs, colds and flu, adding some black elderberry cordial is sure to give you plenty of pleasure and satisfaction.

Raw elderberries do NOT taste so good. Also do NOT drink the raw uncooked juice – not only will it taste bad, but it can cause nausea, vomiting and even potential poisoning.

Making this dark, rich, and fruity cordial

The process of making homemade elderberry cordial involves more than just boiling water and stirring in the ingredients. To make it right, you’ll need to be prepared beforehand. Set out with an airtight container, glass bottles or jars, and heat-resistant thermometers.

Start by soaking your dried elderberries overnight in a bowl of cold water. This will help draw out the natural sugars. To release their beneficial properties, slowly bring the mixture to a gentle boil on low heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Next, strain the mixture through cheesecloth and add your sweetener before bottling up the mixture.

Let the cordial cool down completely before tasting and enjoy!

TIPS for making this delicious cordial

1. Choose from fresh, dried or frozen elderberries – Any choice you make will be delicious! Just adjust the amount used according to which type you are using – For this recipe, use half the weight of dried elderberries and add more water to double their volume. The dried berries need to be soaked first and the frozen ones thawed. so allow time for this ahead of continuing with the recipe. (Yes this does mean that you could freeze picked berries until you have time to make the cordial.)

2. Be sure to wear an apron or ‘older clothes’ as elderberries are notorious for staining (unless you are super careful…).

3. Sweeten your cordial with honey instead of sugar to get maximum health benefits. You will need to refrigerate this mixture for storage from the outset as it will not be shelf-stable.

4. You can store the cordial in the freezer either in freezer-safe containers, zip-lock bags or ice cube trays for convenient portioning.

Personalise this black elderberry cordial

• Adjust the spices to suit your tastes and needs – Try adding other unique spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and anise for added depth in flavour and nutrition benefits.
• Incorporate other herbs for additional health benefits – Try incorporating herbs such as rose hips, ginger root powder, chamomile flowers and lavender buds along with elderberry extract for extra vitamins and minerals that may help support immune health.
• Make the cordial with complimenting fruit and turn it into elderberry and apple cordial. Or use an orange instead of a lemon.

Suggestions on how to use and enjoy elderberry cordial

1. Enjoy it as a refreshing drink on its own, either diluted with hot or cold water.
2. Make a delicious elderberry mocktail by mixing the cordial with soda water, fresh a slice of lemon and mint leaves.
3. Use it in an elderberry cordial cocktail such as an Elderberry Fizz or an Elderberry Margarita for something special at parties and gatherings. Make a statement with an elderberry G&T, or poured into a glass of your favourite celebratory sparkling wine.
4. Add the cordial to your favourite smoothie recipe for a unique flavour twist that’s also packed with vitamins and antioxidants!
5. Boil some cordial for a bit longer to make a thicker syrup and then use this over pancakes or waffles instead of traditional maple syrup for a healthier breakfast treat! Or drizzle some on top of your morning oatmeal or overnight oats to give them an extra boost of flavour and nutrition!
6. Add some to your favourite cake loaf or muffin batter to add more depth and complexity to each bite!
7. Use it as part of salad and other dressings or add something different to a marinade.

A black elderberry cordial health kick

Elderberry cordial has long been used by many cultures around the world to help alleviate the symptoms of the common cold and flu. The natural compounds found in elderberries have been shown to have antioxidant, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation, boost immune system function, and have the potential to reduce fever and chest congestion.

To try this as a medicinal cordial, simply mix a tablespoon of your homemade elderberry cordial with warm water or juice and drink as needed for symptom relief – ideally two or three times a day. (Note: if your symptoms persist, it is best to seek medical advice from a doctor.)

This delicious and versatile elderberry cordial recipe offers a surprisingly easy way to make the most of this healing fruit. Whether you’re looking to add a kick of flavour to your favourite drinks or want to try out an old-fashioned remedy for coughs, colds and flu, adding some homemade elderberry cordial is sure to give you plenty of pleasure and satisfaction. Now that you know have discovered elderberry cordial, get on with plans to brew up some today.