Rosebay Willowherb Cordial is a modern British recipe for a classic cordial made from rosebay willowherb flowers boiled with sugar and lemon juice and which is diluted before serving. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Rosebay Willowherb Cordial.
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This year, I missed the rosebay willowherb (fireweed) stems as they were emerging in spring. But it's summer now and the mature plants are flowering in profusion. It's also a really hot summer so cold drinks are a must. As a result, I decided to prepare this summery cordial with the flowers.
Ingredients:
3 cups (750ml) rosebay willowherb flowers
500ml boiling water
equal volume of sugar to the volume of water+flowers
juice of 2 lemons
Method:
Place the flowers in a large heat-proof measuring jug. Pour over the boiling water and stir to combine with the flowers. Set aside to infuse for at least 20 minutes (but you can leave over night if desired). Note the total volume of the contents of the jug.
Measure out an equal volume of sugar to the volume of flowers+water. Place the sugar in a saucepan then pour over the flower infusion mixture. Bring just to the point of boiling then reduce the heat and continue stirring until the sugar has dissolved.
When the sugar has completely dissolved take the pan off the heat. Pour into a fine-meshed sieve lined with muslin and allow the liquid to drain out into a bowl.
Now stir in the lemon juice and magically the liquid will turn from a straw yellow colour to a bright pink. Allow to cool then bottle and store in the refrigerator.
To use, dilute the cordial 2:1 with water, soda water or any other liquid of your choice. Serve chilled over ice.
