Homemade Elderflower Cordial is a refreshing and fragrant drink perfect for warm days and summer gatherings. This delightful beverage balances the sweet floral notes of elderflowers with a hint of citrus.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch at home. Whether served on its own, mixed with sparkling water, or used as a mixer in cocktails, this cordial brings a touch of homemade charm and health benefits that everyone will love. With just a few steps, you can create a thirst-quenching refreshment that showcases the best of nature’s bounty.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Homemade Elderflower Cordial chilled, over ice, or mixed with sparkling water for a light and refreshing beverage. It can also be used to create delicious cocktails, making it a versatile addition to your drink repertoire.
Try pairing it with Watermelon Sangria for a fruity twist or offer it alongside Vegetarian Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. For a unique twist, consider mixing the cordial into a Peach Bellini.
Tips and Notes
- Selecting Elderflowers: Choose fresh, open elderflower blossoms. Ensure they are free from dirt and insects.
- Storage: Store the cordial in sterilized bottles to prolong freshness. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- Dilution: Adjust the dilution to your taste. Start with a small amount of cordial and slowly add water or soda as needed.
- Making it Sparkling: For a fizzy version, mix with sparkling water just before serving.
- Infusion Time: Let the elderflowers infuse for at least 24 hours for the best flavor.
Treat your family and friends to this delightful Homemade Elderflower Cordial. Enjoy the process of making this special drink and share the joy of homemade beverages with everyone around you!
Homemade Elderflower Cordial
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Glass bottles or jars with lids for storage
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 25-30 elderflower heads
- 2 lemons - sliced
- 2 tablespoons citric acid - optional
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until all the sugar has dissolved.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, gently rinse the elderflower heads and inspect for any bugs or debris. Make sure to remove any green parts as they can make the cordial bitter.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the elderflower heads and lemon slices.
- Pour the slightly cooled sugar water over the elderflower heads and lemon slices. If using, add the citric acid to the bowl and stir.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it steep at room temperature for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean mixing bowl, pressing lightly to release all the liquid.
- Pour the cordial into glass bottles or jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.