Miruvor: A LOTR-Inspired Recipe from The Geeky Bartender Cookbook

Posted November 12, 2020 by Alison's Wonderland Recipes in Book of the Month Recipes / 0 Comments

Hi, everybody! To celebrate the recent release of my second book, A LITERARY HOLIDAY COOKBOOK, I’ve been doing a monthly post series devoted to recipes from fiction-inspired cookbooks. Today’s recipe is from THE GEEKY BARTENDER COOKBOOK by Cassandra Reeder, creator of The Geeky Chef blog. When I first started blogging, The Geeky Chef was one of my greatest inspirations when choosing a focus for my blog, so making a recipe from Cassandra’s book is great honor for me! Let’s get started!

Today I’m making Cassandra’s recipe for miruvor from The Lord of the Rings. In the book, miruvor is a cordial created by the elves, modeled after the nectar of the Valar, which was made using Yavanna’s flowers and honey. This version is a white tea and gin cocktail, accented with elderflower and orange blossom, sweetened with honey. Doesn’t it sound positively elegant? I’m a sucker for anything LOTR or tea-related, so I knew I would love this this! It’s so cozy when served warm—perfect for a brisk autumn day—but I love it chilled too. Plus, it’s super easy to make. Just whip up a quick honey syrup (instructions are included), brew some tea, and mix everything together!

As I wrote this post, I couldn’t help reflecting on the similarities between miruvor and lembas. They’re both elf-made foods that are specifically crafted to sustain both body and soul. In fact, Gandalf notably reserves the miruvor for times of spiritual rather than physical need. It’s treated almost like a spiritual medicine. I love how Tolkien acknowledges that physical strength isn’t the only kind of strength you need to make it through hard times. The depth of his writing never fails to amaze me!

I’m so pleased to have another easy, delicious recipe to add to my LOTR food repertoire. When I’m able to hold a big LOTR movie marathon party again, miruvor will definitely be on the menu!

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Miruvor from The Geeky Bartender Cookbook

Give them this,’ said Gandalf, searching in his pack and drawing out a leathern flask.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 vigor.

— The Fellowship of the Ring

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 tsp honey syrup (preparation instructions below)
3 fl oz lightly brewed and hot white tea (I used white peony tea from Adagio)
1 1/2 fl oz elderflower liqueur
1 1/2 fl oz gin
1 tsp orange blossom water

Makes 1 cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. FOR THE HONEY SYRUP: Combine 3/4 cup honey and 3/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the honey dissolves into the water, but doesn’t boil. Allow to cool to room temperature. Store in a sterilized, airtight container.
2. FOR THE MIRUVOR: Pour tea into serving vessel. Stir in all remaining ingredients.
3. Serve to the Fellowship as they embark on their treacherous journey to destroy the One Ring!
  It’s delicious chilled as well!
  
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  For more fictional food, check out my new cookbook, A LITERARY HOLIDAY COOKBOOK! 🙂 It includes full menus of food for Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Years, including recipes for delectable gifts you can give your guests!