What is it?

The term “cordial” means different things in different countries, which can lead to some confusion. In the United States a cordial is synonymous with a liqueur, a strong alcoholic beverage usually enjoyed as a digestif. In England it refers to a light nonalcoholic syrup. The latter describes elderflower cordial.

Made by infusing sugar syrup with elderflowers and lemon juice, it’s refreshing mixed with still or carbonated water and served on ice, or added to a white wine spritzer or Champagne. Its delicate flavor also enhances fruit salads and adds floral nuance to custards.

Recipes

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  Recipe

  Blackberry-Elderflower Tart

  Elderflower liqueur adds a haunting floral-pear fragrance to the light pastry cream filling, contrasting the deeply flavored fresh blackberries. For best results, chill the filled tart before topping it with…

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  Recipe

  White Wine & Elderflower Gløgg

  Throughout December, Scandinavians meet outside to drink the hot spiced wine punch known as gløgg (pronounced "gleug") and sing carols—it’s like a cocktail party in the snow. Red wine is…