BELVOIR FRUIT FARMS Elderflower Liquor Cocktail Recipes

Belvoir Fruit Farms is nestled deep in the English countryside in the idyllic Vale of Belvoir, an area of natural beauty on the borders of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. They have been making cordials for nearly 30 years, pressing fresh fruit and infusing flowers to mix with the famous Belvoir spring water. Renowned for their elderflower drinks, they still use the same elderflower recipe developed by co-founder Mary Manners.

Originally, all the elderflowers were handpicked from bushes growing around Lord and Lady John Manners' garden. The whole family helped to make the first batch of elderflower cordial, chopping the lemons and stirring the syrup. Lord John then popped the 88 cases of drinks into the back of his car and went round local farm shops, persuading the owners to buy a bottle here and there.

Today, demand is so high that Belvoir calls on the local community to help with the harvest, picking flowers from our own orchards and from hedgerows in the surrounding countryside.

To achieve the unique taste of Belvoir's elderflower products, it's essential to use nothing but fresh flowers. Peverel Manners, Lord John's son says, "The secret of a really good elderflower cordial is to use masses of flowers that have been picked in the sunshine when they're warm and heavy with yellow pollen, then get them into the vat within three hours. This gives the drink its delicate floral taste."

Over the years, the company has expanded its beverage range to include a wide range of flavors and the brand now produces more than 40 products, many of which have won multiple awards. Belvoir Fruit Farms is still owned and run by the Manners family.

Broadwayworld.com has a few exclusive recipes for our readers that use Belvoir Farm's Elderflower Liquors.

Elderflower and Thyme Cocktail

This recipe is created by the "Pink Patisserie."

Ingredients:

2 tsp. of Elderflower Cordial divided

8 oz. of Prosecco, Champagne or sparkling water

1 oz. of Aquavit or Gin divided, optional

2 sprigs of thyme

2 slices of lemon

Method: In the bottom of each glass, gently press the thyme sprig with the handle of a wooden spoon or muddler to release its oils. Pour the cordial in each glass, then add the aquavit or gin if using. Pour the sparkling wine on top, gently stir, then garnish with the lemon. For a nonalcoholic beverage, just omit the sparkling wine and aquavit and use sparkling water. It will taste just as delicious!

Elderflower Gin Fizz

Ingredients:

35ml Gin

3-4 Raspberries

10ml lime juice

125ml Belvoir Elderflower Presse

Method: Shake ingredients into a hi-ball glass with cubed ice and top w/ elderflower presse. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

For more information on Belvoir Fruit Farms, please visit: http://www.belvoirfruitfarms.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Belvoir Fruit Farms

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