flipHyldeblomstsaft — Elderflower Cordial
Hyldeblomstsaft — Elderflower Cordial
Why this dish? Andersen gave the elder tree a soul in his tale 'The Elder-Tree Mother' (Hyldemoer): the tree whose flowers perfume this drink is, in his writing, an old woman who tells stories. Drinking this cordial is drinking his tale.
A clear syrup made from elderflower umbels infused with lemon and sugar, diluted with fresh water. Floral and muscat aroma, lively acidity: the drink of Danish summer, and the very taste of an Andersen tale.
You may know my Elder-Tree Mother, that old lady who comes out of the teapot and tells stories under the tree in bloom? Well, the elder is not just a character of my imagination: its white umbels perfume the gardens of Denmark, and from them we make a golden, sweet and tart water. We would infuse the flowers with lemon and sugar, then cut it with fresh water for hot days. Take a sip, and listen closely: perhaps the Elder-Tree Mother will tell you a tale too.
- •Fresh elderflower umbels — a good armful (aroma)
- •Lemons — a few, sliced (acidity)
- •Sugar — generous parts (preservation and sweetness)
- •Spring water — as needed (infusion)
Hyldeblomstsaft — Elderflower Cordial
A clear syrup made from elderflower umbels infused with lemon and sugar, diluted with fresh water. Floral and muscat aroma, lively acidity: the drink of Danish summer, and the very taste of an Andersen tale.
Why this dish? Andersen gave the elder tree a soul in his tale 'The Elder-Tree Mother' (Hyldemoer): the tree whose flowers perfume this drink is, in his writing, an old woman who tells stories. Drinking this cordial is drinking his tale.
You may know my Elder-Tree Mother, that old lady who comes out of the teapot and tells stories under the tree in bloom? Well, the elder is not just a character of my imagination: its white umbels perfume the gardens of Denmark, and from them we make a golden, sweet and tart water. We would infuse the flowers with lemon and sugar, then cut it with fresh water for hot days. Take a sip, and listen closely: perhaps the Elder-Tree Mother will tell you a tale too.
Ingredients (period version)
- Fresh elderflower umbels — a good armful (aroma)
- Lemons — a few, sliced (acidity)
- Sugar — generous parts (preservation and sweetness)
- Spring water — as needed (infusion)
Ingredients
- Elderflower umbels — 25 to 30 flowers (aroma)
- Organic lemons — 3, sliced (acidity)
- Sugar — 1.2 kg (syrup and preservation)
- Water — 1.5 L (infusion)
- Citric acid (optional) — 30 g (brightness and preservation)
Method
- Gently shake the umbels to remove insects (do not wash to keep the fragrant pollen).
- Bring water and sugar to a boil until dissolved, then let cool slightly.
- Place flowers and lemon slices in a large container, pour the warm syrup over them.
- Cover and infuse for 2 to 3 days in a cool place, stirring once a day.
- Strain carefully through a cloth, pour into sterilized bottles; serve diluted with fresh water.
How it was made : Elder grew in every garden and hedge in Denmark; syrups and tisanes were made from it, and the 'Elder-Tree Mother' (Hyldemoer) belonged to the protective folklore of the tree long before Andersen turned it into a tale. Without refrigeration, generous sugar and lemon acidity ensured the syrup's preservation.
The contemporary twist : A few drops in sparkling water with a mint leaf: a non-alcoholic 'fairy tale' spritz for summer gatherings.
Hans Christian Andersen · Charactorium
