Recipe: Elderberry and Blackberry Cordial

This rich, spiced cordial is the perfect way to capture the deep flavours of hedgerow berries, blending the tartness of blackberries and elderberries with warming spices. A perfect addition to drinks, warming cocktails, or drizzled over desserts.

Ingredients:

• 350g elderberries (fresh or frozen)

• 350g blackberries (fresh or frozen)

• 100ml water

• Peel of 1 lemon

• 1 cinnamon stick (broken up)

• 1 tsp cloves

• 350g sugar per 500ml strained liquid

  
  

Method:

1. Remove elderberries from their stems and rinse both berries well.

2. Add the elderberries, blackberries, water, lemon peel, cinnamon, and cloves to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, then cook for around 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the fruit to fully infuse.

3. About halfway through simmering, use a potato masher to gently press down on the berries, helping to release all their juices.

4. Pour the contents through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into a clean bowl, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible. Measure the amount of liquid collected.

5. Return the strained liquid to the pan and add 350g sugar per 500ml liquid. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Pour the hot cordial into sterilised bottles, seal, and allow to cool before storing in the fridge.

   
   

How to Use:

To serve, dilute 1 part cordial with 5 parts chilled water in a jug. Pour over crushed ice with a slice of lime. You can also use this in cocktail making, and it pairs particularly well with a prosecco.

A delicious way to enjoy the bounty of the hedgerow all season long!