Elderflower Cordial
We love elderflower cordial in the summer! The creamy-white elder tree flowers bloom in abundance, ideal for a fragrant syrup. Gather on a warm, dry day as buds open, and save some blooms for autumn’s elderberries. Discover the joy of foraging with us and make this refreshing syrup!
10 mins
serves 2
Method
- Inspect the elderflower heads carefully and remove any insects. Place the flower heads in a large bowl together with the orange and lemon zest.
- Bring 1.5 litres water to the boil and pour over the elderflowers and citrus zest. Cover and leave overnight to infuse.
- Strain the liquid through a scalded jelly bag or piece of muslin and pour into a saucepan. Add the sugar, the lemon and orange juice and the citric acid (if using).
- Heat gently to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes.
- Use a funnel to pour the hot syrup into sterilised bottles. Seal the bottles with swing-top lids, sterilised screw-tops or corks.
Ingredients
Makes about 2 litres
- About 25 elderflower heads
- Finely grated zest of 3 unwaxed lemons and 1 orange, plus their juice (about 150ml in total)
- 1kg sugar
- 1 heaped tsp citric acid (optional)
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