Homemade Elderflower Cordial

Name: Homemade Elderflower Cordial
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)

Delicately floral and refreshing, this homemade elderflower cordial is perfect for sparkling drinks, cocktails, or summer desserts.

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

Method

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.

Back to recipes

Glass of elderflower and lemon cordial with fresh lemons, green teapot, and elderflower sprigs on a white surface

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