04/20/2025
Besides being a bartender for 21 years, I am also a plant nerd!
Meet Elderflower: She is the elegant, compound flower from the Red Elderberry shrub (Sambucus racemosa). This is the what is used in the Elderflower Squash made by our local crafter, Kari’s Island Elixers. Spring is the time when these start peeking through the evergreens. You may spot Kari in the forest harvesting these blooms to make her one-of-a-kind cordial which makes its subtle appearance in several of our cocktails 🥂
You may familiar with this Washington native plant, because it is most famous for its berries. This varietal produces red elderberries, which are also used in some of Kari‘s cordial’s, but, can be used for making jams, syrups, tinctures, & wine!
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️ Elderberries can be TOXIC when they are raw. Do not pick elderberries and eat them off the tree. Their toxicity is broken down when properly processed and cooked.
On San Juan Island, we only have the red elderberry variety, but in other areas of Washington, you can find the black elderberry shrub (Sambucus nigra). Not only are they delicious, but they have fantastic medicinal properties. Keep an eye out for elderberry products, you are in for a treat! 😋
