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picture of a glass filled with elderflower cordial garnished with mint and lemons
Print Recipe

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.