Homemade elderflower cordial

May 17, 2017 | Drinks | 0 comments

A fragrant and refreshing drink, elderflower cordial makes quite the impression on a hot, sunny day.

Elderflowers can be picked fresh in the UK from approximately late May to early July. Making the summer time a perfect opportunity to go for a walk to collect your own.

The best flowers are found away from busy roads, out of the reach of dogs and have a strong and sweet smell. Happy harvesting!

Ingredients:

Serves 4-5

  • 3 litres cold water
  • 2 large  unwaxed  lemons, zested and juiced
  • 1 bag full (average carrier bag size , or about 50 heads of flowers) of fresh sweet smelling fresh elderflower heads.
    They are freshest when some buds have just opened and some just closed & they smell sweet.
  • 100ml of honey (preferably raw honey)

Method:

  1. Wash the flowers thoroughly.
  2. Place all your ingredients into a pan with the water and bring to a boil.
  3. Then reduce to a simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Lid on.
  5. Drain off the flowers, but keep cooking for about another 30 – 45 minutes, until it has reduced down until it is about a quarter of the original liquid quantity.
  6. Cool it and sieve again.
  7. Then refrigerate until required.

NB:

If storing make sure you use sterilised bottles with lids.