Delightful Elderflower Cordial Recipe: Sweet and Fragrant Syrup to Elevate Your Culinary Creations

Elderflower cordial is a delightful and versatile syrup made from the fragrant blossoms of the elder tree. Known for its sweet and floral notes, this traditional drink has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures. Elderflowers are typically harvested in late spring or early summer when they are in full bloom, imparting their unique flavor to the cordial. This refreshing syrup can be used in a variety of culinary creations, from cocktails and mocktails to desserts and salad dressings, adding a touch of elegance to any dish.

Ingredients required for making elderflower cordial

To make a delightful elderflower cordial, you will need the following ingredients:

- 20-25 elderflower heads

- 1.5 kg white sugar

- 1.5 liters of water

- 2 unwaxed lemons

- 75g citric acid (optional, for preservation)

Ensure the elderflowers are freshly picked and free from any dirt or insects to achieve the best flavor in your cordial.

Steps to prepare elderflower cordial

Steps to Prepare Elderflower Cordial:

3. Steps to Prepare Elderflower Cordial

3.1 Harvesting Elderflowers:

Choose freshly bloomed elderflowers on a dry, sunny day for the best flavor. Be sure to collect them away from busy roads and pollution.

3.2 Cleaning the Elderflowers:

Gently shake the flowers to remove any insects or debris. Avoid washing them as this can dilute their delicate fragrance.

3.3 Making the Syrup:

In a large pot, combine water, sugar, citric acid, and lemon slices. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the elderflowers and leave to infuse overnight.

3.4 Bottling the Cordial:

Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into sterilized bottles. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Enjoy this delightful elderflower cordial in cocktails, desserts, or simply diluted with sparkling water for a refreshing drink!

1 Harvesting elderflowers

1. Harvesting Elderflowers

Elderflowers are delicate, white blossoms that bloom on elderberry bushes typically in late spring to early summer. To harvest elderflowers for cordial making, it's essential to choose flowers that are freshly opened and at their peak fragrance. Select flowers away from busy roads or areas with pollution to ensure they are free from contaminants. Gently pick the flower heads, being careful not to disturb any insects that may be using them as a habitat. Harvesting in the morning when the flowers are at their freshest is ideal for capturing their full flavor and aroma.

2 Cleaning the elderflowers

After harvesting the elderflowers, it is essential to clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt, bugs, or debris. To clean the elderflowers, gently shake them to remove any insects and then place them in a bowl of cold water. Swirl the flowers around in the water to dislodge any remaining debris. You can also use a soft brush to carefully clean each flower if needed. Once cleaned, allow the elderflowers to dry on a clean kitchen towel before proceeding with making the syrup. Properly cleaning the elderflowers ensures that your cordial will have a pure and delightful flavor.

3 Making the syrup

3. Making the syrup

To make the elderflower cordial syrup, you will need water, sugar, citric acid, and lemons. Begin by bringing water to a boil in a large saucepan and then adding sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Next, add citric acid and lemon slices to the pan. Once the mixture has simmered for a few minutes, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Finally, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any impurities before bottling it for storage. The resulting syrup should be sweet with a delicate floral fragrance that captures the essence of elderflowers perfectly.

4 Bottling the cordial

4. Bottling the Cordial

Once the elderflower syrup has been prepared and left to infuse for a few days, it is time to bottle it up. Start by sterilizing glass bottles or jars by washing them thoroughly with hot, soapy water and then rinsing them with boiling water. Make sure they are completely dry before pouring in the cordial.

Using a funnel, carefully pour the strained elderflower syrup into the sterilized bottles, leaving a small gap at the top to allow for expansion during freezing (if you choose to freeze it) or when refrigerated. Seal the bottles tightly with sterilized lids or corks.

Label each bottle with the date of preparation and store them in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or refrigerator. Properly stored elderflower cordial can last for several months, but once opened, it is best consumed within a few weeks for optimal flavor and freshness. Enjoy this delightful syrup in your culinary creations!

Serving suggestions and storage tips

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips:

Elderflower cordial can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Mix it with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, or add a splash to your favorite cocktails for a floral twist. Drizzle over desserts like panna cotta or fruit salads for a fragrant touch. Store the cordial in sterilized glass bottles or jars in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months. To extend its shelf life, consider freezing in ice cube trays and transferring to freezer-safe bags for longer storage. Remember to label containers with the date of preparation for easy reference. Enjoy the delightful flavors of elderflower throughout the year by preserving this sweet and fragrant syrup properly.

Conclusion and Final Tips:

In conclusion, Elderflower Cordial is a delightful syrup that can elevate your culinary creations with its sweet and fragrant notes. This versatile ingredient can be used in cocktails, desserts, or simply mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing drink.

To ensure the best flavor and quality, it is recommended to store the elderflower cordial in sterilized glass bottles in a cool, dark place. Properly stored, it can last for several months.

When harvesting elderflowers, make sure to pick them on a dry day when they are fully open for the best flavor. Additionally, always use organic ingredients to avoid any pesticides or chemicals in your cordial.

Experiment with different serving suggestions such as drizzling over ice cream, mixing into yogurt, or incorporating into salad dressings for a unique twist. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade elderflower cordial!