Elderflower cordial is the quintessential taste of summer. With its floral, delicate sweetness and citrusy notes, this refreshing beverage has a special place in the hearts of home cooks, gardeners, and DIY enthusiasts alike. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for everything from picnics to fancy cocktails.
If you’ve ever wanted to bottle the taste of an English summer, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through how to sustainably gather elderflowers, provide a foolproof recipe, and share creative variations for mixing things up.
Gathering Elderflowers
Before you start, the most important ingredient is, of course, elderflowers! Here’s everything you need to know about picking them the right way.
When to Harvest
Elderflowers bloom in late spring to early summer (usually May to June, depending on the climate). The best time to harvest is on a dry morning after the dew has evaporated. Look for flower heads that are fully open, creamy white, and fragrant. Avoid flowers that are browning or wilting.
Where to Harvest
Elderflowers grow on elder trees, which are commonly found in hedgerows, parks, and woodlands. Make sure you’re harvesting away from polluted areas like busy roadsides.
Harvesting Tips
- Bring scissors or garden snips to gently cut the heads.
- Leave plenty of flowers behind for the bees and wildlife, as well as future berries. This ensures you’re harvesting sustainably.
- Place your flowers in a basket or cloth bag (not plastic) to allow airflow and avoid wilting.
- Before using them, give the flower heads a gentle shake to remove any insects.
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Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful cordial at home.
Ingredients
- 20 fresh elderflower heads
- 1 liter (4 cups) of water
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of granulated sugar
- 2 lemons (preferably unwaxed)
- 1.5 teaspoons of citric acid (helps preserve the cordial for longer)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Sterilized bottles or jars
- Cheesecloth or a fine sieve
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a batch of elderflower cordial that’s brimming with summer flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Elderflowers
Give the elderflower heads a quick inspection to remove insects or debris. Do not rinse under water, as you’ll lose some of the pollen, which contributes to the flavor.
Step 2: Create the Syrup
- Combine the sugar and water in a large pot.
- Slowly heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves. Once dissolved, bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Add Elderflowers and Lemons
- Place the elderflowers into the pot of syrup.
- Thinly slice the lemons and add them to the pot. Stir gently to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Citric Acid and Infuse
Stir in the citric acid, cover the pot, and leave the mixture to infuse for 24 hours at room temperature.
Step 5: Strain the Cordial
After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve into a clean bowl. Discard the elderflowers and lemons.
Step 6: Bottle Your Cordial
Pour the strained cordial into sterilized bottles or jars and seal tightly. Store in the fridge, where it will last for up to 4 weeks (or freeze for longer storage).
Tips & Troubleshooting
- Cloudy cordial? Make sure to strain through a fine cheesecloth to achieve a clearer result.
- Too sweet? Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste, but remember that sugar acts as a preservative.
- Short shelf life? Adding citric acid or storing in sterilized bottles will help your cordial last longer.
Uses for Elderflower Cordial
Wondering what to do with your freshly made cordial? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Classic Serving Suggestions
- Refreshing Drinks: Mix 1 part cordial with 5 parts water, sparkling water, or tonic for a thirst-quenching beverage.
- Cocktails: Add it to prosecco, gin and tonic, or create an elderflower mojito for a sophisticated twist.
Recipe Variations
- Elderflower and Lemon Cordial: Enhance the citrus by adding extra lemon zest and juice.
- Sparkling Elderflower Cordial: Pair with sparkling water or prosecco for a bubbly drink.
- Elderflower and Mint Cordial: Infuse fresh mint leaves during the steeping process for a cooling variation.
- Spiced Elderflower Cordial: Add cinnamon sticks or cloves while simmering for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Capture Summer in a Bottle
Making elderflower cordial is a rewarding and accessible way to savor the taste of summertime. From gathering flowers on a sunny morning to pouring your first glass, this recipe is as much about the experience as it is about the result.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and transform elderflowers into something magical. We’d love to hear what you think or see how you’ve used your cordial. You can tag us on social media with your creations or try one of our recommended variations.
Get busy brewing, and don’t forget to share the joy with friends and family!
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