Elderflower Lemon Drink with Strawberries

As the temperatures rise there’s no better time to quench your thirst with this captivating beverage that effortlessly captures the essence of summer.

I love our elder tree (and so do our chickens).

We planted it 12 years ago for our son and it’s getting stronger every year. In many cultures it’s considered a good tree to plant close to your house as it protects you from evil spirits.

As it’s Summer Solstice today and nearly Midsummer, here is another thing you could try if you have an elder tree:

(…) the elder is steeped in Faery- and Goddess-centred mythology. The best time to encounter faeries was under an elder on Midsummer’s Eve, when the Faery King and Queen and their train would pass by.

~ Trees For Life

In early summer when the shrub is full of white blossoms we often make elderflower cordial for my son’s birthday. This year I tried something new to make the drink even healthier.

I steeped 8 heads of elderflower in hot water and added freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey and frozen strawberries after the tea had cooled down.

The drink turns a beautiful red after a while.

If you enjoy this summer drink you might also like the Healthy Nettle and Mint Lemonade. It’s my kids’ favourite.

ON MIDSUMMER NIGHT

On midsummer night or St. John’s eve
Is fairies’ night when they receive
All their friends and all their slaves,
The goblins, witches, trollish knaves.
And if the olden tales be true,
All men and maids have cause to rue,
Who on this night dare go abroad
And touch a foot to fairy sod;
For naught will save them but to jump
Right o’er a fire or blazing stump.

But if you’re brave and do not fear
That for your rashness you’ll pay dear,
Then stand beneath an elder tree
And King of Fairies you may see.

Should you then wish to ride afar
With him to some far distant star,
Then quickly thread St. John’s wort flower
And he will show you “Fairies’ Bower,”
And also carry you all night
To many lands, until the light
Comes with Aurora’s face so fair,
When he will drop you anywhere,
It matters not where he may be,
On mountain, desert, or the sea.

And therefore few men whom I know
Are brave enough with him to go.
And think it is best to bide at home
And not with fairies far to roam.

~ Winifred Sackville Stoner, Jr.

Have a lovely Summer Solstice,