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How to make elderflower cordial
If you want a non-alcoholic drink that is refreshing, what do you choose? I often go for an elderflower option. Did you know it’s easy to make elderflower cordial or syrup at home? It’s the perfect time to go on the hunt and pick elderflowers.
What truly inspire me are the flowers on the purple leaved elder (sambucus nigra) in my garden. Each time I walk past, the flowers zapp their scent my way. I just had to do something with them. Of course, if you’ve not got a purple leaved elder, the standard white flowers will do very well. But as you see, the flowers from the purple leaved elder make a fetching pink hued drink.
It’s amazing how elderflowers can differ from bush to bush – even those growing next to each other. So seek out the very best. Pick ones whose scent appeals to you and never pick too near a road.
Pick the best elderflowers
There are many different recipes for elderflower cordial, some call for citric acid others not, some steep overnight, others take a quicker route. This is my version. I wanted a good balance between the elderflower flavour and a hint of citrus and I discovered that soaking overnight gave just the right balance.
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Elderflower cordial is really easy to make. This recipe makes a concentrated syrup. When it is ready, use the cordial in a diluted form – you could add sparkling water for a bit of fizz. A good tonic will go very nicely or add it to a cocktail. Lemonade is probably a little too sweet.
The amount of sugar used is high, but you will be diluting it. Do reduce the amount by a quarter if you prefer.
It’s best to drink this cordial fairly quickly – within a month or so (if it lasts that long) You’ll need some Kilner type jars or bottles to store the mixture. I keep mine in the fridge.
It’s such a refreshing drink and great to have on hand. Here’s to the summer!
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Elderflower Cordial
Ingredients
- 15-20 Elderflower heads Pink or white
- 1 litre water
- 1 large lemon sliced
- 1 kilo granulated sugar
Instructions
- Make sure you have no bugs in the flowers. Give them a good shake. Place them in a large bowl with the sliced lemon
- Boil the water and pour over the flowers. Leave overnight.
- Remove the sliced lemon and set aside. You’ll be using the slices.
- Remove the flowers and discard.
- Strain the liquid through a jelly bag placed in a sieve if you have one or kitchen paper.
- Place the sugar in a large saucepan. Add the liquid and the sliced lemon.
- Heat slowly at first to dissolve the sugar.
- Let the mixture come to the boil and boil for ten minutes.
- Keep in a cool place or the fridge and use diluted in drinks and desserts. Try to use within one month.
Notes
So pleased you like it.
My go to recipe. The pink flowers make it so pretty!
Sounds delicious!
I’ve just finished my first attempt with white flowers. The taste is exactly right for me. Tomorrow I’ll make a second litre and some to share with my children and neighbour whose tree the flowers came from. Ideally securing next years supply!
I’m grateful, thank you.
Thanks for the tips Liz.
This cordial will keep for years. I’ve just finished some from 2018. But if you want to be sure of keeping it, don’t reduce the sugar content. It will probably need straining again when you use it if it’s been kept for long. If it develops a cap of mould like substance, lift it off and strain it through muslin. And don’t use kilner jars, use drink bottles – there is less area to develop mould. The mould is like that on jam, safe and easily removed.
I love making and drinking elderflower cordial but I’ve never seen the purple kind. It looks so pretty! I’m thinking it would go very nicely in a glass of prosecco too!