The Willowmere First Light

Set at Willow Quay

Time: 5 minutes · Makes 2 drinks

an alcohol-free glass for the first drink outside

Ingredients

• 30 ml elderflower cordial to start, plus a little more to taste
• 20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 300 ml chilled sparkling water
• Ice, enough to partly fill two large glasses
• 2 thin ribbons of washed cucumber, made with a vegetable peeler
• 2 small sprigs of fresh mint, washed

Method

1. Put one cucumber ribbon into each of two large glasses. Add ice, leaving room for the liquid.
2. Divide the elderflower cordial and lemon juice between the glasses: 15 ml cordial and 10 ml lemon juice each.
3. Top each with 150 ml chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to combine without losing all the bubbles.
4. Taste. Cordials differ in concentration and sweetness, so add a little more cordial if needed.
5. Add a small mint sprig to each glass and serve immediately.

Essy note: For a little table by the open door, the interval between finishing work and deciding on supper, or two glasses carried into the garden. The name belongs to this fictional world; it is not a traditional Danish drink.

Questions from the Kitchen

Written by Esther

Esther is a photographer and storyteller, and the founder of Essy's Essentials - a seasonal home for stories, rituals, recipes and everyday luxuries.

Published 22 October 2026

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