When In London, Drink Elderflower Cordial

I have spent months of my life in London but until Sunday afternoon, had managed never to sip an Elderflower Cordial. That it was made by a new friend with flowers from an elder tree in his very own garden added immensely to its charm and my enjoyment...

I don't have my own urban garden, but it made me think of other summertime refreshments I've enjoyed from the gardens of others: lemonade from my friend Jane's lemon tree in Westwood; mint and rosemary tisanes from my friends' herb garden in Notting Hill.

Do you make summer refreshments from your own garden or someone else's?

Recipe: Elderflower cordial from BBC Food

- Kristin Hohenadel blogging from rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, France. She can be reached at kristin @ apartmenttherapy . com

Image: Mrs. Pao

Comments (7)

home-made elderflower syrup is the best! thanks for the recipe. it is our favourite drink in our house -- it's very popular in both Switzerland and Scandinavia.

posted by mschatelaine on August 20th 2008 at 6:34am
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My husband and I have been drinking "mocktails" made with elderflower cordial and rhubarb bitters and sparkling water for a few weeks now. I LOVE the Belvoir brand from England. They also make an elderflower presse which is ready to drink.

posted by spotonmeg on August 20th 2008 at 6:38am
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Ikea has elderflower syrup... I know it's not homemade obviously but I wonder how good it is.

posted by ashkashbgsh on August 20th 2008 at 8:18am
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p.s., in France, it is known as "sirop de sureau" and other places (e.g., Italy), "sambuca"

posted by mschatelaine on August 20th 2008 at 9:10am
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Mmm, I love elderflower cordial. The ikea one is pretty good.

I thought sambuca was more of an anise thing...

posted by jennywenny on August 20th 2008 at 10:33am
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I remember a few months ago, you featured a liqueur made form elderflowers...Saint Germain. It's delicious!

posted by alexarc on August 20th 2008 at 10:37am
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One of my favorite drinks! Does anyone know where to get it in the states besides Ikea? I actually don't think theirs is very good.

posted by zooey53 on August 20th 2008 at 8:14pm
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