Homemade Elderflower Cordial (Fläderblomssaft)

This homemade elderflower cordial is the first in a series of recipes featuring elderflower.

I am really excited because this is the first drink recipe ever to appear on my blog. Yes, I am that easily pleased. Although I have never posted a drink recipe, I am very fond of using nature’s beauts (especially blackberries) in other things, and have made.

Since moving to Sweden, I’ve wanted to not only create some cordial but to use it in a number of recipes. Every summer, without fail, I thought about doing it, but always left it too late and the blooms had disappeared almost as quickly as they’d arrived.

This year, I was in luck. Not because I’d managed to get myself outside and collect some elderflowers, but because someone gave us a bunch from their own garden.

Truth is, I had left it too late because when I went out to find some for my pictures, there was literally only one bloom left. So, by the time I got round to taking photos for this recipe, I had to make do with a couple of sprigs of mint to garnish my homemade elderflower cordial instead.

If you’ve never tasted elderflower cordial or juice before, it has a very distinct flavour. This homemade elderflower cordial is so simple to make; there is nothing more difficult than washing the blooms and then straining. My recipe is sweet, so all you need is a little sparkling water to create a refreshing summer beverage.

I used this batch of elderberry cordial to make curd, a lime drizzle cake and super cute lemon cupcakes with elderflower frosting. 

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Homemade Elderflower Cordial

Course Drinks

Ingredients

Cordial:

• 20 elderflower heads
• 1 litre (4¼ cups) water
• 900g (4½ cups) sugar
• 2 lemons (sliced)

Cordial Drink:

• sparkling water
• lemon and lime slices
• sprig of mint

Instructions

• Give the elderflower blooms a good shake to release any creepy crawlies, then gently run them under cool water. Finally, cut off the stalks.
• Heat the water in a pan until a rolling boil is achieved then remove from the heat.
• Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
• Place the elderflower blossoms in a large bowl and cover with the boiling water.
• Add the lemons.
• Cover and keep in the fridge for 2-3 days.
• Pour the cordial through a fine strainer. You may need to do this several times to get rid of most of the large bits of debris (it is okay to leave a few small specks, though).
• Place back in the fridge until ready to use (see note 1)

Cordial Drink:

• To make a refreshing drink, mix with sparkling natural water (using as much cordial as you like, bearing in mind it is very sweet), and garnish with a sprig of mint with lemon and lime slices. Enjoy!

Notes

1. There is no citric acid in this recipe. This means that the cordial has a shorter shelf life. Store it in the fridge for 3-4 weeks (or, alternatively, freeze some).

 

Disclaimer:

I have converted grams to cups/ounces/tablespoons using online converters. Although I have no reason to believe they are inaccurate, please be aware that I have not made the recipe with imperial measurements.

In addition, many ingredients are different in Europe compared to North America. I do all I can to offer possible alternatives and to ensure the best possible outcomes for everyone. However, results cannot always be guaranteed if you have not used the same ingredients, measurements or methods as me.

Lastly, I do everything I can to ensure that my recipes (and instructions) are accurate and easy to follow. However, I am human, and don't always get it right. If you notice anything strange, a mistake, or even a typo, please let me know in the comments.