Elderflower Cordial

In late spring or early summer the elderflowers start appearing in the hedges and this Elderflower Cordial is easy and delicious. It’s great for cakes, soft drinks and cocktails too !

It is June 12th and a beautiful sunny morning here in Northern Ireland.  The elderflowers are in full bloom in the hedges now and are abundant along the little country road where I live and walk every day. 

The fresh flowers are great for making Elderflower Syrup which is delicious for brushing onto Sponge Cakes, for homemade lemonade and cocktails !   They are also lovely paired with gooseberries to make jam. Pick them just as the tiny buds are beginning to open, and some are still closed. Pick on a warm, dry day (never when wet).

Servings: About 2 litres

Ingredients

• About 25 elderflower heads (no need to be exact)
• zest of 2 unwaxed lemons plus their juice
• 1.5kg granulated sugar
• 1 heaped tsp citric acid (optional)
• 1.5 litres water

Method – Elderflower Cordial

1. Inspect the elderflower heads carefully and rinse in cold water.
2. Place the flower heads in a large bowl together with the lemon zest.
3. Bring 1.5 litres of water to the boil, add the sugar and stir to dissolve.
4. Remove from the heat and cool completely.
5. Add the elderflower heads and lemon zest and juice. Stir in the citric acid if using.
6. Cover with a clean dry tea towel and leave in a cool place to steep overnight.
7. Next day, strain the liquid through a sieve and then a jelly bag or piece of muslin.
8. Do not push it through or it can go cloudy.
9. Pour the syrup into sterilised bottles or jars, seal and store in a cool dry place.
10. Keep refrigerated once opened.
11. If you are not making it to store you can easily make half this recipe.

Notes

This makes quite a lot, you can easily make half of this recipe or less if you like and feel free to add as many flowers as you like !

Citric acid is a preservative, your cordial will keep better with it, but it’s not essential.

I am passionate about embracing the seasons. You can find our seasonally inspired Baking and Cooking Classes Here. You can find more seasonal recipe inspiration on the Recipes page.