This week I made my first batch of Elderflower cordial. It always strikes me as surprisingly easy and the results are fabulous so I thought I would share it with you! The flowers are in bloom during the months of May and June and all you need to make up a batch is 20 freshly picked flower heads.
Flowers and berries harvested from the Elderflower tree have been used medicinally for hundreds of years to treat a variety of ailments. I have enjoyed this drink since my youth but only thought to begin making it a few years ago.
If you fancy making a batch, I heartily recommend the following recipe. I find this cordial so refreshing and it makes a great gift too – particularly if you use a pretty vintage bottle or decorate/embellish the bottle in your own way to personalise it and make it look lovely!
Ingredients
- 20 fresh white flower heads
- I.2 Kilo’s of white sugar
- 2 sliced lemons
- 4 tablespoons of citric acid
- 1.2 litres of water.
Method
- Start by putting the sugar and water in a pan, place it on a low heat and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is almost at boiling point.
- Meanwhile, gently wash the flowers and place all of the flower heads, the sliced lemon and the citric acid into a large bowl.
- Pour the water/sugar mixture into the bowl with the other ingredients and mix them together well with a wooden spoon.
- Cover and leave to infuse in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, bottle and refrigerate.
I found that this recipe made up enough cordial to fill four and a half 750ml bottles. (You may need to drink a few bottles of wine in order to free up some extra bottles for this recipe!)
The cordial keeps very well in the fridge and can also be frozen successfully. Dilute it with still or sparkling water, or with some chilled sparkling wine for a perfect beverage for a sunny afternoon.
What are the health benefits of Elderflower?
Elderflower is traditionally used to build up your immune system and increase your resistance to colds and flu, as it clears toxins through the lymph glands, but it can also be used to relieve the symptoms of colds, flu and allergies with great success too! Those with asthma and respiratory problems can also benefit from drinking elderflower cordial.
Enjoy! x
