Elderflower Cordial

Summary

Yield0
Source

This is partly my MIL, and partly Jeremy Lee

Prep Time30 minutes
RecipesDrinks

Description

Ingredients

  • 15 large elderflower umbels (the flower heads)
  • 900 g caster sugar
  • 1 lemon, sliced thin
  • 40 g tartaric acid (in the UK you can buy this at most chemists)
  • 500 ml water
  • 15 large elderflower umbels (the flower heads)
  • 900 g caster sugar
  • 1 lemon, sliced thin
  • 40 g tartaric acid (in the UK you can buy this at most chemists)
  • 500 ml water

Instructions

Thoroughly wash up a saucepan to boil the water in, a wooden spoon and a large bowl (preferably not metal).

Bring the water to the boil.

Place the elderflowers in a large bowl, checking for any wildlife along the way. Don't wash them, or you'll loose the flavour. Add the lemon, sugar and tartaric acid.

As soon as the water boils, pour it over the flowers etc. and stir until the sugar has dissolved.

Cover and place in a cool, dark place for four days.

Strain the cordial through a muslin lined sieve and pour into clean bottles. Drink at once mixed with lemonade if you've got a sweet tooth, or a mixture of lemonade and sparkling mineral water, or just the water. It will keep for a while (it never does with us!).

Notes

This makes good long drink with vodka.

For maximum flavour the elderflower umbels should be picked first thing in the morning on a still day, but don't be too fussy about it!