Tansy Cordial is a traditional British recipe for a classic drink made from water, vanilla and sugar that's flavoured with lemon juice and an infusion of tansy leaves. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Tansy Cordial.
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The tansy is a bitter plant traditionally consumed during Easter time. A decoction is sometimes used as a tonic, but be careful as it's an abortificant (can induce abortion) and should not be consumed during pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. However, as it is also an emmenagogue it can stimulate menstruation. It should also be noted that it is toxic in high doses. It is used as a flavouring ingredient in Chartreuse and Benedictine though.
Ingredients:
600ml water
450g sugar
1/3 vanilla pod, split lengthways
40g whole tansy leaves
juice of 1/2 lemon
Method:
Combine the water, sugar and vanilla in a pan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until you have a thick syrup. Take off the heat, add the tansy leaves then set aside to infuse for 4 hours.
After this time, strain the liquid and stir in the lemon juice. Pour into a pan and allow to heat through. Bottle whilst still hot. Stopper securely and sore in a cool, dark, cupboard.
1 tbsp of the cordial is sufficient for a large glass of water. Do not consume more than two glasses in a day.
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