Drinks
Elderflower Cordial
The Quirky Foodster Team
Ingredients
- 20 heads Fresh elderflower heads
- 1 kg (5 cups) Granulated sugar
- 1l (4 1/4 cups) Water
- 2 Lemons, sliced
- 50 g (3 1/2 tbsp) Citric acid
Method
- Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove any insects, and trim away thick stalks.
- In a large pot, heat the water and sugar together, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
- Add the elderflower heads, sliced lemons and citric acid to the sugar syrup.
- Transfer to a large bowl or bucket, cover, and leave to infuse at room temperature for 24 hours, stirring once or twice.
- Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into a clean pot or jug, pressing gently to extract the liquid.
- Pour the strained cordial into sterilised bottles.
- Store in the refrigerator and dilute with still or sparkling water to taste before serving.
Introduction: A fragrant, homemade syrup made from foraged elderflower blossoms, sugar and lemon, elderflower cordial reflects a long English tradition of hedgerow foraging in early summer, and is diluted with water or sparkling wine as a refreshing seasonal drink.
Cultural Background: A fragrant, homemade syrup made from foraged elderflower blossoms, sugar and lemon, elderflower cordial reflects a long English tradition of hedgerow foraging in early summer, and is diluted with water or sparkling wine as a refreshing seasonal drink.
Storage: Store in sterilised, sealed bottles in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks, or freeze in portions for up to 6 months.
Reheating: This is a cold cordial and is not reheated; simply dilute with cold or sparkling water to serve.
Tips: Pick elderflowers on a dry, sunny day when their fragrance is strongest, avoiding flowers near busy roads. Straining the cordial thoroughly through muslin ensures a clear, sediment-free finished cordial.
Variations: A few mint leaves can be added during the steeping stage for a fresh twist. The cordial can be mixed with sparkling wine for an elderflower spritz. Reducing the sugar slightly gives a less sweet, more floral cordial for cooking use. This cordial is naturally vegan as written, made only from elderflowers, sugar, water, lemon and citric acid, with no animal products.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 kcal (undiluted, per 30ml serving) | Protein: 0 g | Carbs: 15 g | Fat: 0 g
FAQs:
Q: Where can I find elderflowers?
A: Elder trees grow widely in English hedgerows and parks, with their creamy white flower clusters typically appearing from late May through June.
Q: Why is citric acid added to the cordial?
A: Citric acid helps preserve the cordial and gives it a bright, slightly tart edge that balances the sweetness and floral flavour of the elderflowers.
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