Festive elderflower mocktail

BY HELEN FORD, Nutritional Therapist at Wild Nutrition.

With festive cheer flowing, now can be a time that we might feel like having little food and drink indulgences that we wouldn't have regularly. But special doesn't have to mean alcoholic. If you are avoiding alcohol, or just want to be mindful of your intake, a mocktail can serve as an excellent way to enjoy a drink that’s extra special.

This delicious mocktail is a great way to enjoy your Wild Nutrition Collagen 500 Plus (added to the individual resulting drinks rather than in the stored bottle) because it is unflavoured and easily dissolves. As we age - starting in our mid-20s - our bodies produce less collagen. This decline leads to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Effective collagen supplementation supports multiple facets of health. By nurturing vitality from within, it improves elasticity and promotes firmer skin. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp elderflower cordial - you can either buy a nice organic one or make your own with the recipe below this one. 

•  ¾ tsp per serving of Wild Nutrition Collagen 500 Plus

• Sparkling water 

• Ice (optional) 

To garnish:

• Rosemary sprigs

• Orange slices

Method: 

1. Pour some sparkling water over a glass with ice. 

2. Add your delicious cordial - 1 tbsp per glass. 

3. Add ¾ tsp Wild Nutrition Collagen 500 Plus.

4. Garnish with a few sprigs of rosemary and orange slices.

Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower, derived from the Sambucus tree, is revered for its numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, it may support immune function and combat oxidative stress. Traditionally, elderflower has been used to support the respiratory system by promoting healthy mucus production. 

Harvesting elderflowers is an exquisite experience that connects us to the rhythms of nature. These delicate white blossoms, typically in bloom from late spring to early summer, are best gathered on a dry day, ensuring optimal quality. It is essential to select flowers that are fully open and free from imperfections. Gently cut the flower heads, taking care not to disturb the surrounding foliage. 

Ingredients - makes 1 litre:

• 15 heads of elderflower

• 400g coconut sugar/golden caster sugar

• 3 tbsp good quality runny honey (local if possible) 

• 2 unwaxed organic lemons

Method: 

1. Wash the elderflower thoroughly, removing any insects that may have snuck in!

2. Put 1 litre of water into a pan then add the honey and sugar. Allow to heat through until the sugar has dissolved, then turn off the heat and allow to sit.

3. Grate the lemon zest and add the elderflower heads, ensuring that the flowers are completely submerged under the water.

4. Juice one of the lemons and pour the juice into your mixture, slice the remaining lemon into circles and pop those in too. Cover with the pan lid and put to one side to infuse for 24 hours.

5. After 24 hours, it's time to strain your cordial - line a fine sieve with muslin/cheesecloth over a large bowl and pour the cordial through this.

6. Pour into sterilised bottles or jars to store in the fridge and drink diluted with water (sparkling or still).

We hope you have enjoyed these recipes - for more collagen-infused ideas see our Four collagen-infused winter warmers or you can read more about our Collagen innovation in Collagen 500 Plus: Q+A with our founder Henrietta.