This cordial is refreshingly sweet and the perfect thirst quencher on a hot day
There is nothing quite like homemade elderflower cordial on a hot summer's day. Light, floral and refreshingly sweet, it's one of those recipes I look forward to making every year.
Our girls can spot an elderflower bush in full bloom from the roadside anywhere between Ōtemātātā and Oamaru. Elderflowers grow like weeds down here in the South Island, and the girls love nothing more than gathering the blooms and helping prepare the fruit for our annual batch of cordial.
This easy homemade elderflower cordial recipe makes approximately two litres and uses fresh elderflower heads, lemons, oranges, sugar and citric acid. It's lovely served with chilled water or soda water, and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
And don't throw away the leftover fruit! I have a delicious elderflower marmalade recipe that makes use of it.
This cordial recipe will last up to 3 months in the fridge. Or simply place in the freezer for up to 12 months.
What ingredients will l need?
Lemons
Oranges
Sugar
Water
Citric Acid
Elderflower blooms
What equipment do I need?
A large pot or jam pan
Muslin cloth and sieve
Clean sterilised bottles (you choose the size)
I like to keep glass bottles with screw lids when I buy a cold drink at a cafe. I keep the bottle for making gifts. Otherwise any glass bottle with a screw lid will be able to be used.
sterilising bottles
Simply wash you bottles in clean soapy water and drain.
Preheat the oven to 160 degree Celsius. Place the bottles into the oven and heat for 15 minutes or until completely dry.
Carefully remove the bottles one at a time and pour the syrup into the bottles
Because the syrup is cold they will not seal. But will last up to three months in the fridge of 12 months in the freezer.
When is elderflower season in New Zealand?
Elderflowers generally bloom from late spring into early summer in New Zealand, although the exact timing depends on where you live and the weather. Here in the South Island, we keep an eye out for the creamy white flower heads as the weather begins to warm.
How do I know when elderflowers are ready to pick?
Look for fully opened, creamy white flower heads with a lovely floral scent. Choose fresh blooms that haven't started turning brown. Always make sure you have correctly identified elderflowers before picking them, and avoid plants growing beside busy roads or areas that may have been sprayed.
Can I freeze homemade elderflower cordial?
Yes! Freezing is a great way to enjoy elderflower cordial long after the flowers have finished blooming. Pour your cooled cordial into freezer-safe containers, leaving enough room for the liquid to expand. I like to make enough to enjoy throughout the year.
Why do you add citric acid to elderflower cordial?
Citric acid adds a lovely sharpness that balances the sweetness of the sugar and brings out the delicate elderflower flavour. It also helps make the cordial more acidic, although it doesn't replace correct refrigeration and safe storage.
How do you serve elderflower cordial?
Simply add a splash of cordial to a glass and top it up with chilled water or soda water. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. I particularly enjoy it with plenty of ice, a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint.
If you would like to make more Elderflower recipes. Check out these other suggestions.
Refreshing Summer Elderflower Cordial
Equipment
- 1 large pot or jam pan
- 1 sieve
- 1 muslin cloth
- glass bottle with screw lids
- 1 clean tea towel
Ingredients
- 20 Elderflower flower heads
- 1.5 kg white sugar
- 1.2 l water
- 2 lemons
- 2 oranges (or add 2 extra lemons)
- 50 grams citric acid
Instructions
- Prepare the flower heads by removing as much stalk as you can. Place them into a bucket of cold water and swish them gently about to remove any bugs and dirt. Place on a dry tea towel while you prepare the cordial.
- Wash and thinly slice the lemons and oranges (if you have no oranges you could use simply lemons).
- Place the sugar and water into the large pot. Bring to the boil (or until all the sugar has dissolved). Then remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Place the flower heads into the syrup.
- Add the lemons, oranges and citric acid, stir and cover with a clean tea towel.
- Leave the cordial to steep for 24 hours before straining. Place a muslin cloth over a sieve. Strain the cordial through the cloth into a large bowl or measuring jug). Do not squeeze the muslin cloth contents. Allow it to drip.
- Pour into the sterilised bottles.
