Elderflower Cordial Recipe – In the High Weald
We are so lucky that we have elderflower growing in our garden. This particular plant grows up in the middle of a large rhodedendron bush on the corner of our lane. For the last three years I have been making a nice big batch of elderflower cordial and it beats anything you get in the shops. I love it with some sparkling water.
Imagine a sip of summer, a delicate floral sweetness that dances on your tongue. That’s precisely what you get with this elderflower cordial recipe. This traditional British favourite is easier to make than you think, resulting in a refreshing drink perfect for warm days. Let’s dive into creating your own batch of liquid sunshine!
Why Make Your Own Elderflower Cordial?
Forget store-bought syrups loaded with artificial flavours and preservatives. Making your own elderflower cordial allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a pure and natural taste. Plus, it’s a delightful way to capture the fleeting magic of elderflower season.
Our Simple Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Ingredients:
- 30 fresh elderflower heads
- 1.7 litres water
- 1.7 kg granulated sugar
- 100 grams citric acid (available from pharmacies)
- 2 unwaxed lemons
Instructions:
- Boil the Water: In a large saucepan, bring the water to a rolling boil. Remove from the heat.
- Dissolve the Sugar: Stir in all the sugar until it completely dissolves.
- Prepare the Lemons: Using a vegetable peeler, remove the zest from the lemons. Slice the lemons into rounds.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the sugar is dissolved, add the elderflower heads, lemon zest, lemon slices, and citric acid to the saucepan.
- Steep: Stir everything together, cover the saucepan, and leave it to steep for 24 hours.
- Strain: After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or a clean tea towel into sterilised bottles.
- Store: Store your elderflower cordial in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Elderflower Cordial
- Choose the Right Elderflowers: Pick elderflowers on a sunny day when they are fully open and fragrant. Avoid flowers near busy roads or areas where pesticides may have been used.
- Harvest at the right time: Elderflower season is short, so make sure to harvest when the flowers are at their peak. Usually late May and early June.
- Sterilise your bottles: To ensure your cordial lasts, sterilise your bottles by washing them in hot, soapy water and then placing them in a low oven (160°C/320°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply boil water, dissolve sugar, add elderflowers, lemon, and citric acid, steep for 24 hours, and strain.
Citric acid acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of your cordial. It also adds a tangy flavour that balances the sweetness.
It’s generally recommended to not wash elderflowers, as this can remove the pollen, which contributes to the flavour. Instead, gently shake the flowers to remove any insects.
Elderflowers are believed to have various health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Elderflower cordial is also a refreshing and hydrating drink, especially when diluted with sparkling water.
Serving Suggestions
- Dilute with still or sparkling water for a refreshing drink.
- Add to cocktails or mocktails for a floral twist.
- Drizzle over ice cream or desserts.
- Add to a summer fruit salad.
Capture the Taste of Summer
Making your own elderflower cordial is a rewarding experience. It’s a taste of summer you can enjoy all year round. So, get out there, gather your elderflowers, and start creating your own sunshine in a bottle!
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large saucepan
Ingredients
- 30 Elderflowers
- 1.7 litres Water
- 1.7 kg Sugar
- 100 grams Citric Acid You can buy this at the chemist/pharmacy
- 2 Lemons
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan and take it off the heat.
- Stir in all the sugar.
- Remove the peel from the lemons with a vegetable peeler and cut the lemons into slices.
- Once the sugar has fully dissolved add the flowers, lemon peel and slices, and citric acid to the pot.
- Stir and leave covered for 24 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a muslin or teatowel.