Elderflower Cordial Recipe
A sweet, floral elderflower cordial made with fresh foraged elderflowers, lemon, sugar, and citric acid. Dilute with sparkling water, still water, or iced tea for an easy summer drink.
Print Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Fine Mesh Strainer or muslin cloth, jelly bag, or fine straining cloth
- 1 Funnel
- 6 Swing-Top Bottles 16 oz.
Ingredients
- 15 large Elderflower Heads or up to 30 small heads
- 2 Lemons sliced
- ¼ cup Citric Acid
- 10 ½ cups Water
- 5 cups Sugar
Instructions
- Check the elderflower heads carefully for dirt, insects, and debris. Do not wash them, since rinsing removes much of the flavorful pollen.15 large Elderflower Heads
- Add the elderflower heads, sliced lemons, citric acid, and water to a large pan. Do not add the sugar yet.2 Lemons, ¼ cup Citric Acid, 10 ½ cups Water
- Heat the mixture until it just reaches the boiling point, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- Strain the liquid through muslin, a jelly bag, or a fine cloth to remove the flowers and lemon slices. Gently squeeze the cloth to get out as much flavor as possible.
- Return the strained liquid to the pan and add the sugar. Bring it back to a boil, stirring often until the sugar dissolves.5 cups Sugar
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- While the cordial simmers, wash and sanitize your bottles, lids, funnel, and any tools you’ll use. Warm the bottles before filling.
- Carefully pour the hot cordial into warm bottles and close the lids. Do not pour hot cordial into cold glass, as it can crack.
- Let the bottles cool, then store the cordial in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers with room for expansion.
- To serve, dilute 1 part cordial with 5 to 10 parts water, sparkling water, or iced tea. Add fresh lemon juice if you want a brighter flavor.
Notes
- Use only elderflowers you can identify with confidence. Elderflowers grow on woody elderberry shrubs or small trees, not from soft green stalks growing straight from the ground.
- Pick elderflowers on a dry morning when the flowers are fully open, fresh-looking, and sweet-smelling. Avoid flowers that are browning, dropping petals, or smell musty.
- Do not wash the elderflowers unless absolutely necessary. Shake them gently outside instead.
- This recipe is not a tested shelf-stable canning recipe. Store finished cordial in the refrigerator and use within 2 to 3 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.
- Freeze cordial in ice cube trays for easy single-serving portions.
- Dilution depends on your taste. Start with 1 part cordial to 5 parts water, then add more water if you prefer a lighter drink.
Nutrition
Calories: 256kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 63g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 256kcal
Cost: $6.50