Elderflower Cordial Recipe

Elderflower cordial is a delightful, fragrant drink that’s perfect for warm days.

This simple yet elegant recipe captures the essence of summer in a bottle. Whether you’re new to making cordials or a seasoned enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the steps to create your own elderflower cordial at home.

If you are not sure how to identify elderflowers, this video will show you how to be sure.

Ingredients

• 25 elderflower heads (ensure they are freshly picked and free from insects)
• 1.5 liters of water
• 1 kg granulated sugar
• 2 unwaxed lemons (sliced)
• 55 grams citric acid (available at most pharmacies or online)

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth
• Large bowl
• Sterilised glass bottles or jars for storage

Instructions

1. Harvesting the Elderflowers
   • Pick the elderflower heads on a dry, sunny day when the flowers are fully open and fragrant. Avoid picking from areas close to heavy traffic to ensure they are free from pollution.
2. Preparation
   • Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove any insects. Do not wash the flowers as this will remove much of the flavor.
3. Making the Syrup
   • Pour 1.5 liters of water into a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved. Allow the sugar solution to cool slightly.
4. Infusing the Elderflowers
   • Once the sugar syrup is warm (not hot), add the elderflower heads, lemon slices, and citric acid. Stir gently to combine.
5. Steeping
   • Cover the saucepan with a lid or a clean cloth and leave the mixture to steep for 24 to 48 hours. This allows the flavours to infuse fully.
6. Straining the Cordial
   • After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or a muslin cloth into a large bowl to remove the flowers and lemon slices. Ensure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the flowers.
7. Bottling
   • Using a funnel, pour the strained cordial into sterilised bottles or jars. Seal tightly.
8. Storage and Shelf Life
   • Store the cordial in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated. Properly stored, elderflower cordial can last up to a few months. For longer storage, consider freezing it in ice cube trays.

Serving Suggestions

Elderflower cordial is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Classic Drink: Dilute with still or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage.
• Cocktails: Add a splash to your favorite gin and tonic or use it as a mixer in cocktails.
• Desserts: Drizzle over ice cream, fruit salads, or use as a syrup for cakes.

Tips for Success

• Quality of Flowers: The quality of elderflowers significantly impacts the cordial’s flavour. Choose flower heads that are creamy white and fragrant.
• Sterilisation: Ensure all equipment and bottles are thoroughly sterilised to prevent spoilage.
• Citric Acid: This ingredient helps preserve the cordial and balances the sweetness. It’s crucial for shelf life and flavour.

Enjoy making and sipping your homemade elderflower cordial, a quintessential taste of summer captured in a bottle!