• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Greedy Vegan
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Breakfast
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Drinks

    Elderberry Cordial with Apples

    Published: Aug 26, 2017 · Modified: Feb 10, 2019 by Gloria - The Greedy Vegan · This post may contain affiliate links · 19 Comments

    Pin960
    Reddit
    Yum35
    Share
    Share
    Share24
    Tweet
    Email
    WhatsApp
    1K Shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    It's finally here! Elderberry season! The end of August and start of September is the perfect time for elderberries, at least where I live. I try to pick as many of them as I can and make elderberry jam and cordials. Recently I have researched the humble elderberry a lot, and I've found that it is one of the best foods you can consume to fight colds, influenza and a wide range of other diseases and infections. This is because it has one of the highest amounts of vitamin C per weight in the world - along with other incredible nutrients like vitamin A, B-6 and iron.  This recipe is for elderberry cordial with apples, which will not only add some extra nutrients but also give it a nice crisp aftertaste.

    Elderberry cordial

    If you've ever looked for a supplement for the winter months to keep you fit and healthy, it is likely that you've seen pills that contain elderberries. They are one of the best wild foods in the world not only due to their vitamin C levels but also because of flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants that are proven to reduce the time flu infections last, and they also reduce the toll the flu takes on your body regarding cell damage and stress. In fact, I would recommend adding elderberries to your diet if you are anaemic as elderberries used to be the go to treatment for anaemia and blood-related diseases in the middle ages. You can buy elderberry cordial in specialist shops but to make your own is so much fun, and the result is as pure as it gets.

    Elderberry cordial

    Start by making sure you have about 1.5 kilos (3 ½ lbs) of berries. Follow this elderberry picking & cleaning guide if you are unsure where to forage for them or how they look. Pick them off the stalks by gently pulling on the berries; alternatively, you can also freeze them on the stalks for easier removal - this is something they do when making elderberry wine. To use the freezer method just put the whole harvest in the freezer in a ziplock bag or freezer friendly container for 6 hours. Take them out and hit the bag until the berries are loose. I like to do it without the freezing technique, but it is a very viable way to do it if you are short on time. It is also a good method if you end up with a huge harvest like I did this year. As you can see below the berries are frozen and went straight into the pot.

    2016-september-elderberry-cordial-00001

    Recipes tend to tell you that you should add liquid to the berries at this point but I found that it is best to leave the heat on low and let the juices come out naturally. This method also gives you a stronger tasting mixture and more nutrients per serving. It is not necessary to boil it; a gentle simmer is enough at this stage. Stir gently every 10 minutes, or so with a metal spoon or fork, this will ensure that the berries on top get mixed in and break up. After about 45 minutes of very gentle simmering, your berries are ready to be sieved. Put a strainer over another pot and pour the whole mixture through a cheesecloth over the sieve. Let the mass of berries and apples cool down before you start squeezing on the cheesecloth.

    Elderberry cordial

    Patience is the key here since hot berries with a high sugar content like these will quickly give you second-degree burns. Once it has cooled down enough, squeeze the cheesecloth until you get no more liquid out of the berries and discard the pulp. Mind you it will look like you killed someone and you might want to use gloves for this if you have to go somewhere the next day. It will stain your hands for a day or two in a very bloody colour. I give the pulp to the birds in the garden; they eat it up as soon as I place it on the feeder.

    You will now be left with a deep red, pure juice that you can either turn into an elderberry cordial or jelly. If you are indecisive at this moment, then freeze the liquid in a freezer friendly container. I pour mine into an ice cube tray and transfer the frozen juice into a container for easy portioning. It might not look pretty but it is the easiest way to portion and keep the juice from spoiling.

    Elderberry cordial

    If you want to make elderberry cordial, then all you need to do is add the juice back to the heat and turn the temperature to medium. Add the sugar along with the juice of one lemon. The lemon acts as a natural preservative and makes sure that you can store your elderberry cordial for longer in the fridge. Bring the liquid to a quick boil and pour into sterilised bottles for later use. It will stay fresh for up to a year in a cold place, but once you open your bottle, it will need to be used up within two weeks. Serve either with hot water like a toddy during cold nights or with ice as a refreshing drink.

    Elderberry cordial

    Elderberry Cordial with Apples

    The Greedy Vegan
    This elderberry cordial uses apples to add a nice, crisp aftertaste to your drink. It is packed with vitamin C and anti-oxidants.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 25 portions
    Calories 57 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 kg elderberries
    • 300 g sugar
    • 1 lemon the juice of it
    • 2 - 3 cooking apples
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Clean and wash the elderberries. Wash the apples, but there is no need to peel or core them, just cut them into quarters.

    • Place the fruit in a pot, cover with a lid and slowly let it warm up over low heat until the fruit releases its juices. Simmer very gently for about 45 minutes. Stir now and then if you feel it is necessary.

    • After about 45 minutes the fruit mixture is ready to be sieved. Put a sieve over another pot and pour the whole mixture through a cheesecloth over the sieve. Let the mass of berries and apples cool down before you start squeezing on the cheesecloth. This is very important because you can severely burn yourself if you try to squeeze out the liquid immediately.

    • Squeeze the pulp thoroughly and discard it. Add the sugar along with the juice of one lemon to the pot of red juice. Bring the mixture to a quick boil and pour it into sterilised bottles.

    Notes

    To enjoy this lovely drink, add 2tbsp cordial to 300ml (1 ¼ cups) of water. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more. The recipe is enough for around 25 glasses.
    Serve either with hot water like a toddy during cold nights or in cold water as a refreshing drink.
    The cordial will stay fresh for up to a year in a cold place, but once you open your bottle, it will need to be used up within two weeks.
     

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Elderberry Cordial with Apples
    Serving Size
     
    2 tbsp
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    57
    % Daily Value*
    Sodium
     
    2
    mg
    0
    %
    Potassium
     
    117
    mg
    3
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    13.5
    g
    5
    %
    Fiber
     
    2
    g
    8
    %
    Sugar
     
    12
    g
    13
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    240
    IU
    5
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    16.7
    mg
    20
    %
    Calcium
     
    16
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    0.7
    mg
    4
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

     

     

    Related

    Pin960
    Reddit
    Yum35
    Share
    Share
    Share24
    Tweet
    Email
    WhatsApp
    1K Shares

    More Drinks

    • Vegan Mango Lassi with Cardamom
    • Watermelon Lemonade Without Added Sugar
    • Lime and Elderflower Cordial
    • Anti Inflammatory Mango and Turmeric Smoothie

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jemma

      September 29, 2016 at 3:48 pm

      5 stars
      Loved the idea with the ice cubes, also didn't realise I could freeze the berries. Thanks Gloria!

      Reply
      • Gloria

        October 03, 2016 at 5:20 pm

        The idea of freezing the berries happened out of sheer desperation when we collected too much and had no time to clean them over the weekend. I threw them in the freezer and hoped for the best. Now it is my favourite method to store extra berries! - Love, G.

        Reply
    2. hey sharonoox

      August 28, 2017 at 4:47 pm

      I don’t remember ever tasted elderberry before but this drink looks so refreshing and yummy! Love this photo! Reminds me of fall color.

      Reply
    3. peter @Feed Your Soul Too

      August 28, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      I have never worked with elderberries. Your drink looks refreshing, tart and tasty all rolled into one.

      Reply
    4. Denay DeGuzman

      August 28, 2017 at 8:12 pm

      5 stars
      What a beautiful-looking drink. The color is just gorgeous. I’d love to make this healthy drink recipe and serve the elderberry cordial over ice, just like you did here. Mmmm…so refreshing!

      Reply
    5. Miranda

      August 28, 2017 at 8:51 pm

      I’ve tried edderberries and they’re delicious! To think that I can make a drink like this! Amazing!
      Also the idea of freezing berries! Genius! I guess if you make too much you can always save some for later, or possibly use them as ice cubes.

      Reply
    6. Amber Myers

      August 28, 2017 at 9:49 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm. I don't think I've ever had elderberries before. I must remedy this. The drink looks fantastic!

      Reply
    7. Emme Chatterton

      August 28, 2017 at 10:17 pm

      5 stars

      This looks absolutely delicious, I can’t wait to try for fall!

      Reply
    8. Heidi

      August 29, 2017 at 12:15 am

      I have never tasted a cordial before, but this drink totally reminds me of Anne of Green Gables. (If you haven’t read it, the main character gets into a bit of trouble when serving cordial to a friend.) It looks delicious.

      Reply
    9. Tanvi Rastogi

      August 29, 2017 at 12:48 am

      Firstly, your pictures are so beautiful and vivid. Secondly, that looks like a refreshing drink! ?

      ❥ tanvii.com

      Reply
    10. Claudia Krusch

      August 29, 2017 at 2:45 am

      I am excited to give this a try. I will have to get the ingredients i need to make some on the weekend. I am sure it will be a big hit.

      Reply
    11. Jessica Taylor

      August 29, 2017 at 4:21 pm

      I’ve never tried Elderberry, but this drink looks refreshing! I definitely want to try

      Reply
    12. Cynthia Nicoletti

      August 29, 2017 at 4:36 pm

      This is the first time I am hearing of elderberries. Looks really good. Have to make this recipe .

      Reply
    13. kiwi

      August 29, 2017 at 7:21 pm

      I dont think I ever had an eldeberry. They remind me a lot of blackberries I would love to try them and see the holistic benefits of it too.

      Reply
    14. liz Cleland

      August 30, 2017 at 3:37 am

      Perfect drink just in time for Fall. I can’t wait to try this out!

      Reply
    15. Nicole

      August 30, 2017 at 6:30 pm

      This looks delicious! I have also freeze berries and they turn out great! I can’t wait to try this out, thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    16. Ashles

      September 01, 2017 at 11:44 pm

      My husband would love this. He loves berries as does my son.

      Reply
    17. Louise

      September 06, 2017 at 10:03 pm

      I absolutely love elderberry cordial. And this variation sounds delicious ?

      Louise x

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Health is Wealth says:
      November 30, 2018 at 8:49 pm

      […] Elderberry: Native to Europe and North America, elderberries are chock full of essential nutrients like vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. It’s best to eat them in baked or cooked form as raw elderberries might cause nausea and diarrhea. These sour and sweet berries can be used to make a variety of recipes, including tarts, jelly, soup and cocktails. Also, do check out these delectable recipes for Rhubarb Elderberry Crisp and Elderberry Cordial with Apples. […]

      Reply

    Leave a ReplyCancel reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar




    Popular Posts

    Watermelon Lemonade Without Added SugarWatermelon Lemonade Without Added Sugar
    How to Freeze AvocadosHow to Freeze Avocados
    Perfect Crispy Sweet Potato FriesPerfect Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
    Carrot Soup with Ginger and TurmericCarrot Soup with Ginger and Turmeric
    Grilled Zucchini Ribbons with Sriracha MarinadeGrilled Zucchini Ribbons with Sriracha Marinade
    How to Pick ElderberriesHow to Pick Elderberries
    Peanut Butter and Jelly SmoothiePeanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie
    How to Grow Succulents From SeedHow to Grow Succulents From Seed

    Also on the Blog

    Sowing Vegetables And Flowers From Seeds

    Sun Dried Tomato Hummus

    Creamy Chanterelle Pasta

    Lime and Elderflower Cordial

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

      FOLLOW

      • X/Twitter
      • Pinterest
      • Facebook
      • Instagram

      RECIPES

      • Breakfast
      • Main Dishes
      • Desserts
      • Drinks

      INFO

      • About TGV
      • Work with me
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms & Conditions
      • Disclaimers

      When you buy something through my links, I get a small commission from Amazon. It helps me keep this site running and share more helpful content with you. Thank you for your support! 😊

      Copyright © 2023 - The Greedy Vegan

      Related