A Little Bit Fancy: Shandy's Elderflower Cordial & Elderflower Fizz
- Nov 13, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 1
Every now and then, a product comes along that makes you stop and say, “Ooh, that’s a little bit special.” Shandy’s Elderflower Cordial and Elderflower Fizz are exactly that! Handmade in small batches, they use simple, handed-down methods that just work.
Sharon and Andy (the “Sh-Andy” behind the name) live on their family farm in Sheffield, nestled in the Selwyn District. A few years back, they decided to share the family recipes and products they’d enjoyed for years—the ones that were just too good to keep to themselves.
The Art of Elderflower
They grow the elderflower trees right on their property. These blossoms are harvested by hand and transformed into beautiful drinks with the kind of care you only get from small producers. There are no artificial preservatives or weird additives—just real ingredients, handled simply and properly. It’s hands-on making at its best!
Elderflowers come from the elder tree, a plant that’s been around forever. You can find it all over Europe, the UK, and here in New Zealand too. The flowers grow in big, lacy clusters of tiny white blossoms. They look delicate but pack a surprising amount of flavour.
Picking the Perfect Blossoms
Elderflower blossoms are usually picked early in the morning when they’re at their best, before the sun starts to wilt them. Only the flowers are used—the stems can taste bitter. Timing matters too! The flowers need to be open and fragrant, but not starting to fade.
The flavour is light, floral, fresh, and gently sweet—nothing too perfumed or overpowering. Often described as a mix of pear, lychee, and a hint of honey, it’s why elderflower works so well in drinks. It feels refreshing rather than sugary, and it doesn’t clash with other flavours.
Elderflower Cordial
This product is light, fragrant, and surprisingly versatile. You can add a splash to still or sparkling water with plenty of ice, mix it into a summer mocktail, or drizzle a little over fresh fruit if you’re feeling fancy.
It’s one of those bottles that quietly disappears from the fridge because everyone keeps “just having a little bit.”
Elderflower Fizz
If you want something you can pour straight from the bottle, the Elderflower Fizz is perfect.
It’s non-alcoholic, gently sparkling, and feels like a real treat without being sweet or syrupy. Ideal for when you want something nicer than another can of fizzy, but don’t feel like a proper "drink" drink.
Made in truly small batches—about 7 litres at a time—it definitely earns its artisan title here at Eatlocal.
Why Choose Artisan Products?
It’s always lovely to come across products made with this much care. From the hand-picked blossoms to the small-batch bottling, these elderflower drinks remind us how good simple, well-made things can be.
When you choose artisan products, you’re not just getting a drink; you’re supporting a story. You’re supporting local farmers and their dedication to quality. It’s a win-win!
How to Enjoy Elderflower Drinks
So, how can you enjoy these delightful elderflower drinks? Here are a few ideas:
Refreshing Spritz: Mix elderflower cordial with soda water and a slice of lemon for a refreshing spritz.
Mocktail Magic: Use elderflower fizz as a base for your favourite mocktail. Add fresh berries and mint for a burst of flavour!
Dessert Drizzle: Drizzle elderflower cordial over vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for a simple yet elegant dessert.
In a world full of mass-produced beverages, Shandy’s Elderflower Cordial and Fizz stand out. They’re a reminder of the beauty of simplicity and the joy of supporting local artisans. So, next time you’re looking for something special, remember these delicious drinks.
Joanne Webb runs Eatlocal.nz, delivering premium, locally sourced fruit, veges, and artisan foods across the South Island. Passionate about supporting New Zealand growers, she personally packs every order to ensure quality and freshness. When she's not working on Eatlocal, you’ll find her walking her mini Schnauzer, Zac, or contemplating marathon training - again!
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