10 minutes prep time | 20 minutes cooking time | 1 litre | Beginner | Vegan
The mayflower coming into bloom brings the opportunity to forage the blossoms to make a delicious hawthorn flower cordial recipe for refreshing springtime drinks.
Hawthorn blossom traditionally symbolises fertility and renewal in the celtic tradition. Hawthorn flowers bloom at the beginning of May (hence its other name, mayflower) and is typically used in Beltane celebrations to mark the arrival of Spring.
This delicious hawthorn flower cordial recipe is a simple and refreshing recipe, and can be used to make a refreshing tonic with a slice of lime or used with gin as a mixer for herbal inspired cocktails. The cordial can also be added to desserts such as ice cream or fruit to add a floral tone. The flowers are best harvested in the morning when they are at their freshest and haven’t been in the sun all day.
Ingredients
- 200 g hawthorn blossom
- 200g caster sugar
- 1 litre spring water
How to make your hawthorn flower cordial
- Clean and rinse the hawthorn flowers, making sure to remove any insects or dirt.
- In a clean saucepan, mix together the sugar and the water and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir the mixture to dissolve all the sugar into the water.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the mixture from the heat and add the flowers. Crushing or bruising the flowers slightly will add a stronger floral flavour.
- Cover the saucepan and leave the hawthorn flowers to infuse for up to four hours for a stronger flavour. They can be infused for up to an hour for a milder flavour.
- Strain the syrup through a muslin or cheesecloth into a clean jug.
- Pour the mixture into sterilised glass jars or bottles.
- Serve with tonic or soda water, ice and a slice of lemon or lime.
Top tips for a delicious cordial
The bottles can be stored in the fridge for a longer duration, or in a cool dark cupboard. They should keep for up to six months, however, it is best to check regularly for any signs of mould and in which case the cordial should be thrown away.
Make sure to properly sterilise the jars/bottles. This can be done by submerging the glass jars in boiling water and then putting them into the oven at 100°C for 15 minutes. The most common cause of mould growth is unsterilised jars.
Medicinal benefits of hawthorn flowers
A common British hedgerow plant steeped in ancient symbolism and ritual. Both the berries and the flowers are known to be a cardiac trophorestorative, as they support systemic circulatory health and optimise the function of the heart. Hawthorn is used to support a variety of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and hypotension as it has an amphoteric effect meaning it helps to normalise and bring the body back to homeostasis.
FAQs
What can I use as substitute for hawthorn flowers?
This recipe can be repeated using elderflower heads instead, or a combination of the two as they typically flower around the same time.
Lemon can also be added at the same stage as the flowers for a more citrus flavour according to taste.
Which herbal traditions use hawthorn flowers?
Western herbal medicine uses hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also uses hawthorn, however the native Chinese variety, Crataegus pinnatifida. Chinese hawthorn produces much larger berries and is used in TCM for digestive health as well as cardiovascular.
