Bezgov Sirup (Elderflower Cordial)
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- Fresh elderflower heads, stems trimmed — 20
- Water — 1.2 L (5 cups)
- Sugar — 800 g (4 cups)
- Unwaxed lemons, sliced, plus 40 g (1.5 oz) citric acid — 2
- Sparkling or still water, to serve
Method
- Shake the elderflower heads gently to remove any insects; avoid washing them, as this rinses away the fragrant pollen.
- Place the elderflowers, lemon slices and citric acid in a large non-reactive bowl or pot.
- Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a separate pot, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then pour the hot syrup over the elderflowers and lemon.
- Cover and let steep in a cool place for 2 days, stirring once or twice a day.
- Strain the mixture through muslin cloth or a fine sieve into a clean pot, pressing gently to extract the liquid.
- Pour the strained cordial into sterilised bottles and refrigerate.
- To serve, dilute the cordial with sparkling or still water to taste, about 1 part cordial to 5 parts water.
Introduction: Elderflower bushes bloom abundantly across Slovenian gardens, hedgerows and countryside in late spring, and generations of households have turned the fragrant blossoms into homemade cordial each year.
Cultural Background: Elderflower bushes bloom abundantly across Slovenian gardens, hedgerows and countryside in late spring, and generations of households have turned the fragrant blossoms into homemade cordial each year. Diluted with sparkling or still water, bezgov sirup is a cherished symbol of early summer, offered to guests as a refreshing, distinctly Slovenian welcome drink.
Tips: Pick elderflowers on a dry, sunny morning when they are most fragrant. Sterilise bottles thoroughly with boiling water to help the cordial keep longer.
Variations: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint during steeping for a herbal twist. A splash of white wine vinegar can replace part of the citric acid if unavailable. Vegetarian / Vegan Note Naturally vegan and vegetarian.
Storage: Refrigerate the strained cordial in sterilised bottles for up to 6 weeks; freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
Reheating: Served cold and diluted; no reheating required. Nutrition (Approx. per Serving) Approx. 140 kcal, 0 g protein, 0 g fat, 36 g carbohydrate per serving (concentrated cordial, before dilution).
FAQs:
Q: Where can I find citric acid?
A: It is available at most pharmacies, home-brewing suppliers or in the baking aisle of larger supermarkets.
Q: Can I use dried elderflowers?
A: Fresh flowers give the best fragrance, but dried elderflowers can be used in a pinch — use about a third of the quantity.
- Fresh elderflower heads, stems trimmed — 20
- Water — 1.2 L (5 cups)
- Sugar — 800 g (4 cups)
- Unwaxed lemons, sliced, plus 40 g (1.5 oz) citric acid — 2
- Sparkling or still water, to serve
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