Elderflower Cordial

One of life's simple joys is to walk with purpose.  Everyday, twice a day, I walk the dog, we tread the same paths throughout the seasons, and have time to observe and enjoy autumnal leaves, wintery landscapes, and now the trees ablaze with blossom.

I simply adore the sensations of a spring walk, the glorious colours, the effervescent bird song, the smell of damson blossom, followed by apple, followed by my favourite; elderflower.

As the earlier blossoms fade, the elderflower begins to dominate, calling out to be gathered and used.  

Every May I end up with a little cottage industry in my kitchen,  making small, delicious quantities of Elderflower Cordial.

Some of the cordial will be kept for refreshing summer drinks.  Other's will be gifted to friends, this year I have promised 10 small bottles for the Church stall at Ham Fair.  I also have to freeze some of my cordial,  so I will be able to send it, during the winter, to my son who will be deployed abroad. 

I've been making cordial for years, and have gradually adapted various recipes to have one that I really love.

20 Umbrells of Elderflower

2 Lemons
.75L Water

900g Sugar

33g Citric Acid

Gently shake the elderflowers over a sink, but don't wash them

Remove the flowers from the stalks

Wash, peel and juice the lemons

Place the elderflowers, lemon peel and juice in a large bowl

Meanwhile, in a pan, bring the water to the boil, turn off the heat

Add the sugar to the water and allow to dissolve (about 10 minutes)

Pour the syrup (sugar water) over the flowers and lemons

Add the citric acid and stir it in

Cover with a clean tea towel and leave for 24-48 hours

Strain through a sieve (lined with butter muslin) into sterilised bottles

You can make the cordial more citrusy, by switching an orange into the mixture.  The cordial will keep in a cool place for three to four months.  Once opened refrigerate. 

I freeze cordial in small water bottles, which means it can be used throughout the year.

The cordial is delicious with sparkling water, or add a dash to a Gin and Tonic for a simple, summery cocktail.  I also use it in a simple glace icing, to give a glorious, seasonal flavour to birthday cakes.

Happy foraging!  Don't forget to leave some of the flowers on the trees, so that bees and butterflies can gather pollen and to ensure a harvest of autumnal elderberries!

Do you make homemade cordials or perhaps use elderflowers in other drinks or foods?  Do let me know.

Jude xx