The elderflower trees are are just beginning to flower here in Derbyshire and I cannot wait to get started with some elderflower cordial.
This is the recipe that I use;
Elderflower Cordial
Ingredients
6-8 heads of elderflower
575ml of water
450g caster sugar
2 teaspoons citric acid
1 lemon – juice and zest
Method
Tap the flower heads gently on a hard surface to remove dust or insects. Put them into a large bowl
Bring the water and sugar to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and pour over the elderflower heads. Stir in the citric acid, lemon juice and zest. Cover and leave for 24 hours to infuse.
Strain and pour into sterilised bottles and seal. Unless you are planning to keep your cordial a long time then an old squash bottle, thoroughly washed out will be fine. The cordial also freezes well.
When serving, dilute to taste. (Try mixing with really cold sparkling water for a refreshing summery drink)
Makes about 750ml
Try to choose an elderflower bush that is away from a main road – you don’t want to be drinking those absorbed exhaust emissions
You can buy citric acid in independent pharmacies, Wilkinsons, asian grocery stores, online or anywhere else selling wine making equipment.
