Recipe: Elderflower cordial

Making elderflower cordial without citric acid is quite simple and can be a delightful way to enjoy the flavours of spring. Here’s a straightforward recipe for you:

Ingredients:

- 20 elderflower heads, fully bloomed

- 1.5 litres of water

- 1.2 kg granulated sugar

- 2 unwaxed lemons, sliced

- Optionally: 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar (to help preserve the cordial)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Elderflowers:

- Gently rinse the elderflower heads to remove any dirt or little creatures. Shake off the excess water and remove the flowers from the stems using your fingers or scissors. It’s important to minimise the amount of stem used as they can impart a bitter flavour.

2. Make the Sugar Syrup:

- In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from the heat.

3. Infuse the Syrup:

- Add the elderflower heads and the slices of lemon to the hot syrup. If you're using white wine vinegar, add it now. Stir gently to combine.

4. Let It Steep:

- Cover the pan and let it steep for 24 to 48 hours in a cool place. This allows the flavours to infuse thoroughly.

5. Strain the Cordial:

- After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into another container. Make sure to press out as much liquid as possible from the flowers and lemons to get all the flavourful syrup.

6. Bottle the Cordial:

- Pour the strained cordial into clean, dry bottles. Seal the bottles and store them in the refrigerator. If properly sealed, the cordial can last for several weeks.

Serving:

- Elderflower cordial is wonderfully versatile. Dilute it with still or sparkling water for a refreshing drink, or use it in cocktails. It also makes a lovely drizzle for desserts.

Enjoy your homemade elderflower cordial, a taste of the season in a glass!