At class last Saturday, we made this beverage to enjoy while sewing up herbal sleep pillows. In many ways it is similar to summer shrub recipes I have posted in the past. This mixture though is make from the fruits of Samhain, elderberry, pomegranate and apple.
Apple cider vinegar may be all the rage for its seeming cure-all health benefits, that doesn’t mean it is pleasant to drink. Add antioxidant-rich elderberry and pomegranate juices and smooth the experience.
Pomegranates have a connection in the fall to fertility and diversity. Diversity due to the many seeds within the fruit, a reminder to stretch out beyond the known and explore your creativity but also to ensure that the conditions are right and that those seeds are wisely sown in the proper conditions for growth. It is considered a seed of happiness and divine goodness and each pomegranate is said to contain one seed from paradise as in some countries it is told that pomegranate was the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden.
Elderberries myths and traditions are many. It is said in Scotland that during the time of Samhain, one might see the fairy king by standing under an elder tree, the fae being very active and especially “spirited” at this time of the year. Do not try to catch him as the elder also protects fairies and “thou wouldst be unsuccessful“. Elder leaves were dried and hung in doorways to keep evil spirits at bay in many parts of what is now the United Kingdom and sleeping under said elder may bring prophetic dreams.
Archeologists have found elder wood remains in places where funery rites were held, strengthening our understanding of its link to death and rebirth, a powerful theme at this time fo the year.
You will need:
6 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
7 Tbsp. elderberry syrup
1 cup pure pomegranate juice ( We used Pom’s pomegranate/blueberry for class )
3 Tbsp. honey
Sparkling water
Lemon, to garnish
“In my kitchen filled with Care, I Welcome Fire, Earth, Water Air”
Bring the vinegar, syrup, and pomegranate juice to a low simmer. Stir until honey is dissolved.
As a quick note, elderberry syrup already contains sweetener. If you have access to juice instead of syrup additional sweetener may be needed.
Serve hot, diluted with still water or chilled, with a splash of sparkling water and a twist of lemon. Mixing with carbonated apple juice in proportions to suit your taste would make a special treat for Samhain Cakes and Ale.
Not the prettiest picture, my apologies, there was nothing left over once class was complete.
Elberberry, Pomegranate Spritzer with Apple Cider Vinegar from My Kitchen Wand
