Elderflower Cordial

June being my birthday month and that of my young neighbour, making elderflower cordial for our celebrations has become somewhat of a tradition.  We watch eagerly as the flowers come into blossom, waiting for the day when there are enough heads in bloom to make our favourite summer drink.  Instead of thinking of a year being 365 days long, we mark a year in the time that has passed since we last picked elderflower.  Try out his recipe for a taste of summer in a glass!

Ingredients:   

500g brown sugar

750 ml water

25 elderflower heads 

One lemon

One orange

Method:

🌿 Dissolve the sugar in the water by heating the mixture in a saucepan, this takes about 5 minutes.
🌿 Cut the lemon and orange into segments and place in a large bowl.
🌿 Shake out the elderflower heads to ensure no insects are still dwelling there. Don’t wash them as they will lose their flavour. Then add these to the bowl also.
🌿 Pour the sugar water mixture over the fruit and flowers and stir well.
🌿 Place a tea cloth or muslin over the bowl to keep out any unwanted visitors!
🌿 Allow to sit for 4 days, stirring once daily.
🌿 Strain through the muslin or a sieve. I like to squeeze the juice from the fruit segments through the mixture at this point also.
🌿 Bottle and keep in the fridge, or pour into an ice tray to freeze.
🌿 Add still or sparkling water and your choice of mint, strawberry or fruit slice.