Afternoon Tea: Miruvor

A Hobbit’s Feast

From the gardens of the elves, honey and floral-scented elvish Miruvor is the revitalizing tonic that every hobbit needs to energize them for more feasting to come.

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A comforting pot of tea may be the typical afternoon tea beverage but why not try this intoxicating elvish draught instead? This restorative elvish cordial is the perfect mid-afternoon tonic after a long day of feasting. Elvish Miruvor is described as being made from honey and the nectar of Yavanna’s flowers. One of the Valar, Yavanna is described as the Queen of the Earth and presides over all growing things.

“Just a mouthful each – for all of us. It is very precious. It is miruvor, the cordial of Imladris. Elrond gave it to me at our parting. Pass it round!”
As soon as Frodo had swallowed a little of the warm and fragrant liquor he felt a new strength of heart, and the heavy drowsiness left his limbs. The others also revived and found fresh hope and vigour.
-The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Book 2 Chapter 3: The Ring Goes South)

This precious honey and elderflower elixir is exactly what adventuring hobbits need to revitalize themselves for more feasting to come!

Ingredient Notes

Mead: Mead, or honey wine, is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of honey and water. Mead has a mild honey flavour and there are sweet and dry varieties. For this cocktail I suggest using a plain sweet mead. I am fortunate to have a meadery nearby – Campbell’s Gold Honey Farm and Meadery. The Merry Mead at Campbell’s Gold is perfect in this cocktail.

Honey: A splash of honey simple syrup will help to sweeten the drink and boost that honey flavour.

Gin: The botanicals in gin make it the perfect choice in this floral cocktail. My favourite gin for making cocktails is Tempo Craft Gin. Another gin that I have been enjoying lately is Red Door Gin from Scotland.

Elderflower liqueur: The delicate aroma of elderflower will have to stand in the place of Yavanna’s flowers. I typically use St. Germaine brand however there are more and more brands emerging on the market. Arbutus Distillers is a local company from Vancouver Island that produces an excellent elderflower liqueur.

Lemon: Add fresh lemon juice to balance out the sweetness of the cocktail.

How to Make Elvish Miruvor

Make the honey simple syrup

In a small pot combine the honey and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the honey has dissolved. Let cool completely before using. The honey syrup will keep for one month in the fridge.

Make the cocktail

In a cocktail shaker add the mead, gin, elderflower liqueur, honey simple syrup, and lemon juice. Add ice, cover, and shake for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and enjoy!

A Feast for Hobbits

• First Breakfast: Savoury Dutch baby with tomatoes, sausages, and bacon
• Second Breakfast: Wild mushrooms on cheese toast
• Elevenses: White braided bread with whipped brie, berries and honey
• Luncheon: Beef, stout and barley soup, Ploughman’s lunch, and a blackberry almond tart with whipped honey mascarpone
• Afternoon Tea: Miruvor, lavender lembas bread, and spiced mead honey cake
• Dinner: Cider braised rabbit with herbs
• Supper: Beer-battered fish and chips

Let me know what you think about the recipe, or hobbit food generally, in the comments below!

Follow along on Instagram @rhubarbandlavender for my Hobbit’s Feast reel series, and always make sure to tag me if you make one of my recipes!