making elderflower cordial

One of my favourite summertime treats is elderflower cordial, so I look forward to elderflower season every year. Flowering dates vary according to your location - In Britain, look for flowers anytime between the end of May and the middle/end of June. Although elderflower cordial can be bought in supermarkets, it really does taste better when you make it yourself. This recipe can be scaled up or down according to the number of flower heads you have, and be amended to suit your individual taste by reducing or increasing the amount of sugar. 

Elderflower Top Tips:

• The secret to good elderflower cordial is to pick on a sunny day, in the morning before the temperature gets very hot. Don't pick after a rain, which washes away the pollen on the flowers which gives the cordial it's flavour.
• Always choose the freshest looking flower heads (creamy white flowers) where most of the flowers have opened.
• It can be tempting to pick all the flowers you find, but if you leave some flower heads on the tree, you'll have berries left on the tree to make other reipes later in the year. 

Ingredients: 
900 g caster sugar
35 g citric acid 
750 ml of water
10 elderflower heads 
1 unwaxed lemon, zest and sliced 

How to make elderflower cordial: 

• Gently shake the elder flowers to remove any insects. Remove the flowers from the stems and place the flowers with the lemon zest & slices into a large bowl.
• Place the flowers, lemon zest & slices into a large bowl.
• Pour the sugar and citric acid into a large saucepan.
• Add the water and simmer on a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Turn off the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
• Pour the cooled sugar syrup over the elderflowers/lemon slices & zest.
• Stir gently to combine.
• Cover the bowl with cling film or a clean tea towel and leave for 24 hours at room temperature. 
• Strain the mixture, using a sieve and a piece of muslin or paper towel.  Pour into clean, dry, sterilised bottles and refrigerate.
• When stored in the fridge, the cordial keeps well for up to 4 weeks. ​Due to its limited seasonal availability, we like to freeze some of the cordial in ice cube trays for use throughout the year.

Dilute to taste. For an refreshing elderflower spritzer, dilute with carbonated water, ice, slice of lemon or a few soft fruits (raspberries or blackberries work well). Elderflower cordial is also delicious when added to champagne. Enjoy!