Go Back
–+ servings
Two glasses of elderflower lemonade and bottle of homemade syrup, top view
Print Recipe

Elderflower cordial

The quintessential summer cordial
Prep Time20 minutes
Infuse time1 day
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: British
Servings: 1 litres

Equipment

  • 2 sterilised glass bottles
  • Large pan or bucket (a jam pan is perfect)
  • Muslin
  • Funnel

Ingredients

  • 1 litre boiling water
  • 1 kg white granulated sugar
  • Zest and juice of 2 large unwaxed lemons (or 3 medium sized ones)
  • 15 - 20 elderflower heads
  • Sparkling water, to serve

Method

  • Put the sugar in a large pan or bucket (a jam pan is perfect).
    Elderflower cordial making sugar
  • Add the boiling water and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.
    Elderflower cordial syrup
  • Grate the zest of the lemons into the pan.
    Grate lemon jest
  • Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and stir.
    Lemon juice
  • Shake the elderflower heads free of any insects, and submerge them in the sugar syrup.
    Elderflower heads
  • Cover with a tea towel and leave to cool and infuse for 24-48 hours. Stir every now and again.
    Making elderflower cordial allowing it to steep
  • Strain the liquid through muslin (cheesecloth, tea towels or even kitchen paper will work) and funnel into your sterilised bottles.
    Straining elderflower cordial
  • Store in the fridge for up to six weeks. Serve with chilled sparkling water.
    Bottled elderflower cordlal