Sunday 20 June 2010

Elderflower Cordial

As the hedge is bursting with frothy elderflower heads I decided it was time to make some elderflower cordial - my very favourite summer drink.
If you'd like to have a go I'll tell you how - it's very easy & delicious!



First of all, pick about 10 elderflower heads (or, if you are me, get Tamzin & Jack to do it!)




Bring 600ml of water to the boil in a stainless steel saucepan.


Add 900g white sugar (sounds a lot but as it's diluted later it isn't too bad)

Stir until dissolved & then remove from heat & leave to stand for 10 minutes.

Now add the grated zest & juice of one lemon.



And 45g citric acid



Now add the elderflowers & stir



Cover & leave to stand overnight to infuse the flavours


Next day, strain the mixture (I use a jelly making bag) & pour into sterilised bottles.
It turns out a lovely light green colour.
As it is quite concentrated you only need a small amount, then dilute with still or sparking water.


19 comments:

  1. My favourite is with sparkling water. I made mine this week as well.
    Gillx

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  2. After climbing onto Jacks shoulders, and having my face come dangerously close to some brambles, I can say that it was all worth it! It's delicious! Bottle it for the V&H Textiles fair Ma??
    T X

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  3. It sounds delicious, love the action shots of the ingredients going in to the pan.
    Ann x

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  4. i keep meaning to make this after I saw it on rivercottage but i keep cheating and buying elderflower presse from sainsburys! he he fliss xx

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  5. I need to try that - just need to get some citric acid.

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  6. Now this is what I intended to do this weekend.. but we make the champagne recipe..highly explosive but very very tasty!

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  7. It sounds and looks delicious. Thanks for the recipe.

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  8. I would love to make this I have made elderberry wine in the past and that was yummy
    thanks for the recipe

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  9. Have now got elderflowers, citric acid & lemons - off to concoct & take pics!!

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  10. I'm so lazy..I'm afraid I buy it from the supermarket!I'd love to try yours though,I bet it tastes delicious.

    Bellaboo ;0)

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  11. Mmmm I LOVE elderflower cordial, that looks delicious! Don't see many of the flowers round here though but I will bear the recipe in mind :)

    Mel xxx

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  12. That sounds absolutely gorgeous, I will have to try this recipe out. Love the bottles and labels you have used - gives a nice touch and looks so much better than supermarket bought drinks.
    Jo x

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  13. Great instructions and pictures. Love the header picture, too.

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  14. Ooh, I am going to try and make some....sounds delicious, thank you for the recipe.
    Julie x

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  15. Hmmm we have some elder bushes but I was going to wait and make elderberry wine - but as there are so many bushes I just may give this a go as well! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  16. Thank you so much for this recipe, I am definitely going to try it. :) xx

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  17. Thaat sounds so amazing. I've never tasted elderflower and now I'm so curious. You have a new follower because I can't wait to see what you make next.

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