How to Make Elderflower Cordial
Seeing the elderflowers in bloom is a sure way to know that Summer is almost upon us. Balmy evenings, the smell of freshly cut grass and foraging for berries are some of the images that Summer conjures up for us – but no Summer would be complete without a bottle of homemade elderflower cordial – or fläderblomssaft.
This recipe makes around 1 litre of cordial.
To make the Elderflower Cordial you will need;
- Elderflower Heads
- 500g caster sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons of good quality runny honey (We always opt for a local option)
- 2 unwaxed lemons
- 1 large sterilised bottle (or several small ones if you are making it as gifts)
So how do you make it?
- Cut 15-20 heads of elderflower. They can often be found growing amongst hedgerows and are usually in bloom from May-mid June.
Fun Fact
The Elderflowers themselves don’t contain any vitamin C, unlike the berries – however they do contain antioxidants which enhance the effects of vitamin C. We are all about the power of natural healing!
- Trim the elderflowers, removing the leaves, just leaving the flower heads. Give them a good rinse, making sure to remove any sneaky bugs that may be hiding.
- Add the sugar, honey and 1 litre of water into a large pan
- Give it a good stir and bring to the boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat.
- Grate the zest of 2 lemons and pop in the elderflower heads. Make sure the flowers are completely submerged. We find that it is best to place the elderflower heads into the water upside down for optimum infusion.
- Squeeze in the juice of one lemon and slice the other.
- Pop the lid on the pan and leave overnight. Usually around 24 hours.
- The next day, place a piece of fine muslin over a bowl to strain the cordial.
- Transfer into a sterilised bottle using a jug or funnel. Label and enjoy. Mix the cordial with fizzy water, tonic or prosecco for a refreshing Summer tipple.
