Homemade elderflower cordial

Name: Homemade elderflower cordial
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 24 h
Yield: Makes about 4 litres
Cuisine: british
Ingredients: 2 1/2kg white sugar either granulated or caster; 2 unwaxed lemons; 20 fresh elderflower heads, stalks trimmed; 85g citric acid (from chemists)

4.50 (108)

⏱ 10 mins 🍽 Makes about 4 litres 🌶 british ✅ Easy 🏷 Afternoon tea

This fragrant and refreshing elderflower cordial is a quintessential British springtime treat. It is simple to prepare and yields approximately 4 litres. The cordial can be enjoyed mixed with sparkling water to create a pressé or used to add a floral note to wine, prosecco, or champagne. The process involves making a sugar syrup and infusing it with fresh elderflower heads, lemons, and citric acid for a full 24 hours.

Ingredients

2 1/2kg white sugar either granulated or caster
2 unwaxed lemons
20 fresh elderflower heads, stalks trimmed
85g citric acid (from chemists)

Method

Place the sugar and 1.5 litres/2¾ pints of water into your largest saucepan. Warm gently, ensuring it does not boil, until all the sugar has fully dissolved, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, peel the zest from the lemons with a potato peeler and cut the lemons into round slices.
After the sugar has dissolved, bring the syrup to a boil, then immediately remove it from the heat. Prepare a bowl of cold water. Swish the elderflower heads gently in the water to remove any dirt or insects. Lift them out, give them a light shake, and add them to the syrup along with the lemon slices, zest, and 85g citric acid, stirring thoroughly. Cover the pan and allow the mixture to infuse for 24 hrs.
Set a colander lined with a clean tea towel over a large bowl or pan. Ladle the infused syrup into the colander and let it drain through slowly. Discard the solids left in the towel. Using a funnel and ladle, transfer the cordial into sterilised bottles. To sterilise glass bottles, run them through a dishwasher or wash with soapy water, rinse, and dry in a low oven. The cordial is ready to use immediately and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.