Photo of elderflower cordial mixture
Elderflower cordial is a simple way to capture the flavour of summer [Image: Magda - Wikimedia Commons]

Elderflower cordial

18 June, 2012

Elderflowers are out now and they are one of the quintessential tastes of early summer.

They are easy to forage (but remember to take only what you need and never all from one tree), and this cordial is great on its own or as a mixer in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic summer drinks.

Ingredients

  • 20 elderflower heads
  • 900ml (approx 2 pints) water
  • 900g (2 lb) sugar
  • 1 sliced lemon
  • 100 g (3 oz) citric acid

Method

1 Boil water, add sugar and lemon, remove from heat until the sugar dissolves.

2 Bring to the boil again, add flowers and citric acid. Heat up to boil again, then stand until cool.

3 Strain through a muslin cloth and store the liquid in airtight bottles.

Serve diluted to taste. Keeps 3 months when stored in a cool place.