Elderflower Cordial

Elderflowers are totally free they grow along most country roads and you may even have one in your garden. About this time of year, or a bit later - the white flower heads bloom and they are packed full of fragrant flavour. When the white flowers start to blow off the elderflowers are past their best, then the bitter black elderberry’s pop out –. Elderflower cordial can be mixed with still or sparkling water, blended with dry white wine as a spritzer or used in many a dessert recipe. Why not treat the Dads on Fathers day (21st June) with something cool to drink while cutting the grass this summer.

Recipe by Zena Leech-Calton

Ingredients

15 – 20 large elderflower heads 1 kg granulated sugar 15 g citric acid * (optional) 2 lemons – halved and sliced skin on

2 litres boiling water

Method

 Wash the elderflowers in a large bowl and drain of the excess water.

 Sprinkle on the citric acid and sugar and add the lemon slices.

 Pour over the boiling water.

 Cover and leave to stand for 24 hours, stirring once or twice to dissolve the sugar and develop the flavour.

 Strain off the liquid (cordial) and store in sterilized bottles filled to the top, discarding the soggy elderflowers and lemon.

 Leave the bottles to cool and store in a dark place.

 The cordial will keep for three months but once opened refrigerate. Tip* – Citric Acid can be bought from chemists and some health food shops, it simply preserves the cordial and allows you to store it for longer.