Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Why Eat Bugs When You Can Drink Flowers?

While living in England, elderflower cordial and presse were my most favorite non-alcoholic beverage discovery. It is the most refreshing drink on a hot day. Elderflower Cordial is a soft drink made largely from a sugar and water solution and uses the flowers of the elderflower. Presse is the pre-mixed, bottled version made with sparkling water. The most popular companies that I'm aware of that make elderflower cordial and presse are Bottle Green Company, Belvoir Fruit Farms, and Duchy Originals (set up by Charles, Prince of Wales).

My heart was filled with gladness when I spotted Belvoir Elderflower Presse in World Market for $3.99!!! This was super exciting as we had just found it at a newer local market for $6.99 (shame on them!). It got even better as when we went to pay it came up as $3 - on sale. I heart World Market!!!
I love floral flavored foods and drinks, but Elderflower has a much more subtle flavor than rose, violet, and lavender products. It's like sunshine in a bottle.
If it says it in the bottle, it must be true...
... then you look at the ingredients, and it is indeed 100% good!
You can actually make Elderflower Cordial. Here is a link to a recipe, along with a few serving suggestions: http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/516164

4 comments:

Lou said...

I had forgotten about elderflower drinks! I lived in the UK for a few years and loved it too. YUM!

Amy J said...

It always tasted nicer too on the odd sunny day in the UK. I had a look at your blog and your buttons are fab!!!

Jane King said...

Odd sunny day in the uk i dont know what you mean!!!? :)
I am going to have a crack at this when the elderflowers are out. This all depends on me being able to correctly identify the elderflower - could be interesting!

Amy J said...

I know, on that rare, rare day :-) That is what makes it taste to much better, because you're so frigging happy that the sun is actually out. Can't wait to see your results! Will either be divine, or if you get flower wrong, could be a new alterative to hooch. Hey, how was your slough brandy???