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Homemade elderflower cordial in a glass, garnished with lemon slices and elderflowers.
Alyssa

Easy Elderflower Cordial

Tangy and refreshing elderflower cordial that captures summer in a glass.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 15 people
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: British
Calories: 41

Ingredients
  

  • 15 heads elderflower (large) Use double if small
  • 2 whole lemons sliced
  • ΒΌ cup citric acid
  • 2.5 litres water
  • 5 cups sugar

Method
 

  1. Check elderflowers for dirt and little insects - don't wash!
  2. Add elderflowers, lemon slices and citric acid to the water in a big pan. (The only ingredient not yet going in is the sugar)
  3. Heat up to boiling point, stirring occasionally, remove from heat, cover and let infuse overnight, or for at least four hours.
  4. Strain the liquid through a muslin cloth, to catch all the flowers. Squeeze all that yummy flavour out of the pulp in the muslin!
  5. Return liquid to the pan and add the sugar.
  6. Bring to boil again, stirring frequently to dissolve all the sugar, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. In the meantime, clean and sterilise all your glass bottles, lids, a funnel and any other equipment in soapy water. Rinse the bottles and fill them with boiling water and leave for 5 minutes before draining.
  8. Bottle up the finished cordial while it's still hot, pouring carefully into your warm bottles and closing the lids.
  9. Depending on desired sweetness, dilute 1:5 to 1:10.
  10. Best enjoyed with sparkling mineral water.
  11. Optional: Squeeze in some fresh lemon for extra tanginess!

Notes

Serve chilled for the best flavor.