Delicious, refreshing homemade Elderflower Cordial.
So the sun is back (even if it's for one day only) time for some refreshing drink!
Either with or without alcohol, this cordial is full of flavour and will quench your thirst on a hot sunny day.
I am quite fortunate in that my neighbour has an Elderflower tree that kindly overhangs my back yard, so makes it easy for me to pick fresh flower heads.
Ingredients:
- 20 x fresh Elderflower heads (more if they are small )
- 1.5 kgs sugar
- 40gms citric acid (can be purchased on Amazon or at local chemist)
- 2 x unwaxed lemons sliced thinly
- 2 x oranges thinly sliced
- 1.5 litres water
In a large saucepan, place sugar and water and slowly bring to boil, stirring to dissolve all the sugar, then boil for a couple minutes and remove from heat.
Add Elderflower heads, then bring back to boil for a few minutes then remove again from heat.
Now add citrus fruit slices and citric acid, stir gently through and cover.Put in a cool place and leave for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, use a double strainer or piece of muslin and strain liquid carefully Do this twice, ensuring all bits are removed and liquid is clear.
Sterilise your choice of bottles and pour liquid cordial into each, firmly seal and then label with date.
Cordial will keep for up to 2 months unopened in the fridge, if it lasts that long before you finish it off! Once opened, refrigerate and use within a couple of weeks. It can also be frozen in plastic containers for up to 6 months.
Serve diluted with water, fizzy water or my favourite, Prosecco! You can also use it in cooking and desserts.
Cheers to that!
Fee x
