July 9, 2025
Homemade Elderflower Cordial
Homemade Elderflower Cordial
Delicately floral and refreshing, this homemade elderflower cordial is perfect for sparkling drinks, cocktails, or summer desserts.
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Ingredients
- 25–30 freshly picked elderflower heads choose fully open, fragrant blooms, free from browning
- 1.5 litres water
- 1.2 Kg caster sugar
- 2 unwaxed lemons (zest and juice)
- 75 g citric acid from the pharmacy or homebrew supplier helps preserve the cordial and keep it bright
Instructions
Inspect and clean the flowers
- Give the elderflowers a gentle shake to dislodge any insects.
- Avoid washing, as you’ll lose the pollen (and flavour).
- Remove thick stalks, they can be bitter
Dissolve the sugar
- Put the water and sugar in a large pan and heat gently, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Bring to the boil, then remove from the heat
Infuse
- Add the elderflowers, lemon zest, lemon juice, and citric acid to the hot syrup
- Add the elderflowers, lemon zest, lemon juice, and citric acid to the hot syrup
Strain
- Line a sieve with muslin or a clean tea towel and strain the cordial into a clean bowl or jug.
- Discard the solids
Bottle
- Pour into sterilised bottles (glass swing-top bottles are ideal).
- Store in the fridge and use within 4 weeks or freeze in portions for longer keeping
Serving ideas
- Mix with chilled sparkling water for a classic elderflower pressé.
- Add a splash to NoLo cocktails, drizzle over fruit salads, or stir into natural yoghurt.