Elderflower cordial is a delicious syrup with a sweet and floral taste. Use it with still or sparkling water or prosecco for a luxurious drink. Add a bit of ice, some lime wedges and a few mint leaves if you like and you have a perfect summer drink! Cheers!
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time30 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr3 minutesmins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Servings: 2litres
Ingredients
30headselderflower
2unwaxed lemons
2kgwhite caster sugar
2litreswater
Instructions
Take out a large pan or casserole with a lid and fill it with 2 litres of hand-warm water
Put in the flower heads without the stalks, removing any insects when you see them
Cut the lemons in slices and add to the pan
Put the lid on and leave for 3 days at room temperature. You can stir every now and then (and inhale the lovely flowery smell!)
After 3 days, strain the liquid through a sieve lined with a fine cloth (a piece of muslin for example, I use a clean, old and plain piece of a t-shirt). Repeat if necessary and put the liquid in a clean pan
Put the pan on medium heat and add the sugar. Keep stirring until the sugar has dissolved and bring the liquid to a boil
Let it boil for a minute. Be careful, it's hot! Fill the syrup into sterilised bottles and leave to cool
Notes
The high amount of sugar in this cordial makes it sweet and long-lasting. Store unopened bottles in a dark and cool place. Once opened keep your cordial in the fridge.I sterilise my bottles by filling them up with boiling water. I explain it here.Drink the cordial diluted with water (still or sparkling), a dry white wine or prosecco. You can add a few mint leaves, some ice and a piece of lime as well!I really like to use the syrup in a salad dressing as well (combine with mustard, apple vinegar, Provencal herbs and olive oil).