Herbal Cordials - Holiday Cheer
As seen on the Sonoran Living program.

Do you like tradition but want a little something different at the same time? Look no further! These herbal cordials are fashioned after hundreds of years of tradition and are matched with contemporary interests of today.

All the herbal cordials have been formulated to offer a good tonic effect on the body – that is allows and helps the body do what it needs to do to find balance and health. Several of the herbs used are Chinese herbs that have been used for centuries as healing tonics for the body. These are safe herbs and are used in safe proportions to allow all people the choice of enjoying the cordials. Used as a daily tonic, one would take an ounce in warm water, hot tea or just toss it straight down! As a party cordial, label the bottles and serve as you would other beverages, or feature them as a party highlight.

Of course, these make great gifts for the holidays! Get them going early so that you have time to let the flavors blend together. Usually I would recommend giving them 3-6 weeks, but I have personally used them after just a week with success, especially if they are being mixed with other liquids like coffee, buttered rum, ginger ale, etc.

You will find these and many other herbs at a good herb shop, like Herb Stop in Town and Country Mall and Desert Sage Herbs in Chandler. If you have never been in an herb store, it is quite delightful! It seems to bring back feelings of times long ago when jars of herbs were in all of our medicine cabinets and kitchens.

Here is a listing of some of the herbs used in the cordials with a short description of healing properties they have. (References include authors and master herbalists Paul Bergner and Michael Tierra.)

Lycii Berries - resemble small red currents. They strengthen lower back, knees and sexual function. Also has been used to treat high blood pressure.
Astragalus Root – Strengthens the system in general, particularly lungs, digestions and blood.
Siberian Ginseng – Invigorates and strengthens the system. Helps build a strong immune system over time. Has been used to help reduce the toxic side effects of cancer treatments.
Saw Palmetto Berries - Commonly used to help treat prostate conditions, urinary tract infections and impotence.
Licorice Root – In Chinese Medicine, licorice root is said to affect all the meridians and organ systems – It can guide chi (life force) into all the systems.
Ginger – Books have been written on the health benefits of ginger! Great anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial that is excellent for the digestion and therefore excellent for the body.
Green Tea – Gaining popularity for it’s super anti-oxidant power.
Alfalfa – Yes, alfalfa! It is the grandfather of nutritional herbs loaded with minerals and vitamins.
Hibiscus Flowers – Not the common variety in your back yard! Top of the line bioflavinoids.
Schizandra Berries - Excellent female tonic herb. Strengthening for low energy and weak sexual function and nervousness. Has “all five flavors” and adds an interesting dimension to beverages.
Vitex Berries – A first to use during peri-menopause or any hormonal imbalance. Helps the body do what it needs to do to bring hormonal balance.
Red Raspberry Leaves – Great tonic for the female reproductive system to help strengthen and tone it.

Holiday Cheer Cordial

(all herbs are in dried form unless otherwise noted)

A beautiful magenta color from the hibiscus flowers. This beverage is refreshing and light and delivers lots of bioflavinoids! I love to serve this with ginger ale and a big slice of lime.

3 cups	good quality Vodka
1/2 cup	Hibiscus flowers, cut and sifted
1/2 cup	Spearmint leaves
1/4 cup	Orange peel, granulated
1/3 cup	Cinnamon bark chips (break up sticks if can’t find chips)
3/4 cups	Grand Manier
4 1/4 cups	Simple Syrup (melt one part sugar with one part water, let cool)

Directions:

Put all ingredients except for the Grand Manier and simple syrup in a large glass jar with a tight fitting lid that you can shake. Label and date the jar. Put out of the sunlight and let sit for 1-6 weeks. Shake it from time to time during this period.

When ready to decant, strain through a fine cheese cloth that is laid in a strainer. Strain into a pitcher large enough to also hold the Grand Manier and simple syrup. After the Vodka is well drained and clear of particles, add the Grand Manier and simple syrup and mix well. Let this sit a couple of weeks and let the flavors blend if you have the time. Pout into decorative bottles. Label. Enjoy!


* Cut and sifted is a type that you will purchase, instead of powdered or whole.