Strawberry Season
Savoring Strawberry Season: A Cordial to Capture the Moment
Every year, when spring begins to warm the air and the fields start bursting with new life, I’m reminded of the simple, essential rhythms that connect us to the land.
One of my favorite markers of this season is the arrival of fresh strawberries.
Bright, fragrant, and sun-kissed, strawberries at their peak aren't just delicious — they’re also packed with vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants that naturally support our immune systems and cellular health.
Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to be more intentional about two things:
spending more time in nature, and eating produce that’s truly in season.
This year, I visited a local farm to pick my own strawberries — a simple joy that science backs up, too.
Studies show that even short periods of time among plants can lower cortisol levels and ease the body's stress response.
Add the sensory experience of gathering your own food — touching the leaves, smelling the earth, tasting fruit warmed by the sun — and you create something deeper than a harvest.
You create a memory.
Inspired by that afternoon in the fields, I decided to craft something special to bottle the feeling:
a Strawberry Lemongrass Cordial, made with fresh berries, calming lemongrass, a touch of raw sugar, and a splash of good Scotch whisky.
This cordial is bright, slightly herbal, and carries just enough richness from the whisky to ground the sweetness — a perfect way to preserve the spirit of the season.
Below, you’ll find the recipe I created. It's simple, slow, and designed to let the strawberries — and the moment — shine.
Fresh Strawberry Lemongrass Scotch Cordial
Ingredients:
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons dried lemongrass or 4 tablespoons fresh, bruised lemongrass
1/2 cup strawberry flowers (optional, for extra visual beauty)
2/3 to 3/4 cup raw sugar or raw honey (adjust based on your taste)
3 to 3.5 cups good quality Scotch whisky (not too smoky unless you prefer a wild, peaty flavor) Use AC Vinegar instead for a non-Alcohol version (oxymel).
Instructions:
Lightly mash the strawberries in a clean bowl, just enough to release their juices.
Add the lemongrass and optional strawberry flowers.
Layer everything into a clean 32-ounce mason jar.
Sprinkle the sugar or honey over the fruit and herbs.
Pour the Scotch whisky over the top until everything is fully submerged.
Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place.
Let the cordial infuse for 3–4 weeks, shaking gently every few days.
After infusing, strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth and bottle the finished cordial into dark glass containers.
How to Enjoy Your Cordial
Sip in small amounts as a botanical digestif after meals.
Add a splash to sparkling water or herbal tea.
Drizzle lightly over fruit salads, yogurt bowls, or even vanilla ice cream.
Use in cocktails or mocktails for a botanical twist.
Stored properly in a cool, dark place, this cordial can keep for up to a year — allowing you to enjoy a little taste of strawberry season long after the fields have emptied.
Strawberries contain anthocyanins, ellagic acid, flavonols, and catechins — all natural polyphenols.
Peak-season strawberries can have up to 2x higher antioxidant content than off-season berries (based on agricultural science studies).
Fresh, ripe strawberries = higher bioavailability of nutrients (your body absorbs them more easily).
Why Seasonal Eating Matters
This is part of the beauty of eating in season.
When we choose foods that are harvested at their natural time — in the right climate and conditions — we aren't just getting better flavor.
We’re also getting the plant’s full biochemical strength: the maximum nutrients, antioxidants, and vitality that it was designed to deliver.
Seasonal eating connects us to the earth’s cycles, supports local growers, and nourishes our bodies more efficiently than foods grown out of sync with nature.
Strawberries aren’t just rich in vitamin C — they’re also an excellent source of natural polyphenols, particularly a group called anthocyanins.
These are the compounds that give strawberries their bright red color, and they act as powerful antioxidants inside the body.
Polyphenols help protect our cells from oxidative stress, support heart health, and have even been linked to better blood sugar regulation and reduced inflammation.
Interestingly, strawberries picked at peak ripeness — when they’re truly in season — tend to have the highest levels of these beneficial compounds compared to off-season or cold-stored berries.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about moving with the seasons, harvesting what's offered, and preserving it with intention.
This cordial is more than just a recipe — it’s a memory you can return to, sip by sip.
Here’s to simple joys, small rituals, and staying connected to the beauty around us — one strawberry at a time.
