Cordials... A Taste Of Summer Even Out Of Season

So a few months ago, I was reading a copy of "The Field" and found an article on British cordials. Immediately I recalled seeing the name of one of the companies profiled and opened my computer to confirm that, yes, I could buy them here in America. I'd never given these drinks much thought before I read this article, but this introduction was all I needed to try them now.

Typically when you mention a cordial in America, thoughts run to the sweet or relatively sweet alcoholic beverages which are served after dinner or in the evening. The alternative meaning of this word is a drink of heavy fruit juice which is mixed with water. It is this latter definition which was discussed in this article.

While in many ways similar to British squash, which is also a concentrated fruit juice, cordials are a bit more refined and less sugary sweet. and a perfect way to enjoy the flavours of summer even out of season.

Leading the way with their Elderflower cordial is Belvoir Fruit Farms (pronounced beever), which is imported and sold in America. The recipe is a family recipe from the Manners family of Belvoir Castle. Growing 90 acres of organic Elderflowers, they ensure they have a supply to supplement those purchased from local pickers. And this picking is done in the traditional method using a walking stick to "hook down" higher florets.

One of the quintessential flavours of early summer, this cordial produces an elegant and refreshing drink any day. Don't be thrown off by the cost and size of the bottle, as it will make 10 pints. You can also add a splash to white wine or a gin and tonic.

They also make another traditional summer flavour, Rhubarb & Strawberry. This bottle makes 8 pints of the most delicious rich fruity drink when mixed with club soda. A real treat and like all their products, they use real sugar, no preservatives, no flavourings and nothing artificial.

I also tried their Ginger Beer Presse, the organic version of which is available in America. This came in a single serve bottle and was most unlike ginger beer I had previously tried. Much lighter and less intense, it has the addition of lemon which with the sparking spring water makes it an incredibly refreshing drink for a summer day.

These hand crafted drinks will remain on my list of drinks to buy for quite some time, even if I have to go to slightly extra lengths to find some flavours which are not imported into America by Belvoir Fruit Farms.

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