Elderflowers are now in full bloom, whether you have the white flowered variety or the red, both make excellent cordial.
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Makes about 2 litres
24 elderflower heads
grated rind and juice of 4 lemons and 2 oranges
1 Kg sugar
1 teaspoon citric acid (optional) – this helps the cordial keep for longer
1.5 litres water
Pick your flower heads, remove any insects and put into a clean bowl or bucket with the orange and lemon rind.
- Bring the water to the boil, pour over the elderflowers and citrus zest, cover with a cloth and leave to infuse overnight.
- Next day, strain the infusion through a jelly bag or coffee filter. Pour into a large saucepan, add the citrus juice and sugar.
- Heat gently and once the sugar has dissolved, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Skim off any froth and pour into sterilised glass bottles.
This cordial will keep as it is for several weeks, to keep it for longer either sterilise the bottles again after filling or use plastic bottles and freeze. If freezing, leave a 2cm space for expansion and loosen the bottle tops.
My elder bush is the red variety and it makes beautiful pink cordial.
