When the pretty white flowers adorn the trees, you know that summer is here and the opportunity to make elderflower cordial is not to be missed. The first time I tried elderflower cordial was many years ago at a friend's house. I was completely amazed at how good it was and that she had made it herself. I made my first batch three years ago and my family love it! It is at its absolute best served cold, with ice, and especially scrumptious with sparkling water. Once its made, I don't buy any other soft drinks for the remainder of summer, just plenty of sparkiling water. It really is the taste of summer. It is relatively simple to make and you don't need to go out and buy any special bottles. You can re-use glass bottles with screw top lids as long as you give them a good clean. If you only make a couple of bottles, you will find that it will be gone in no time at all, and as long as you keep it in the fridge, it will keep for 3-4 weeks and so sterilising may not even be necessary.
When is best to pick elderflowers?
Venture out on a sunny day when you have a couple of hours to spare. Elderflowers seem to grow everywhere. When you have spotted a good picking place, take a carrier bag and some scissors with you as pinching off the flowers with your nails can become quite painful and sore the next day. Choose heads that are beautifully creamy white and avoid any that have started to die off. It is fine to pick heads that have some flowers that have not opened as yet. If you want to make a couple of bottles you only need to pick the equivalent of 25 large heads. You will smell the beautiful elderflower scent as you are picking, hear the birds singing and be surrounded by glorious green. What a better way to spend a couple of hours off work and duties. The picture above shows about three times that much in each bowl. I find it easier to make things in large batches rather than 2 or 3 as I have done in the past when I found that the cordial was all gone already. If you want to tailor the recipe to your own liking it is best to start small. I like to give some cordial away to friends and family, and this year I also put one bottle in a hot bath process so that we can enjoy some at Christmas time (more about that later).
Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Makes just under 2 litres
You will need:
25 Large Elderflower Heads
1Large Orange
3 Lemons
750g Sugar
1 tsp citric acid
Muslin Cloth or Jelly Bag
Large Pan
Do not wash or rinse your flowers, put them stright into a large bowl. Zest the orange and lemons and add to the elderflowers and pour over 11/2 litres of boiling water, cover and leave overnight.
You will need:
25 Large Elderflower Heads
1Large Orange
3 Lemons
750g Sugar
1 tsp citric acid
Muslin Cloth or Jelly Bag
Large Pan
Do not wash or rinse your flowers, put them stright into a large bowl. Zest the orange and lemons and add to the elderflowers and pour over 11/2 litres of boiling water, cover and leave overnight.
I don't know if its necessary to cover with a plate but I wanted to ensure that all the flowers were submersed in the water. I'm sure tht a tea cloth draped over the top wil be fine.
In the morning or afternoon when you have time to prepare the cordial, juice the lemons and orange and put in to a large pan with the sugar. Strain the liquid from the flowers using a muslin cloth draped over a colander or a jelly bag. If you want to keep the cordial for longer than 4 weeks, you should sterilise it with boiling water. .
In the morning or afternoon when you have time to prepare the cordial, juice the lemons and orange and put in to a large pan with the sugar. Strain the liquid from the flowers using a muslin cloth draped over a colander or a jelly bag. If you want to keep the cordial for longer than 4 weeks, you should sterilise it with boiling water. .
If using a cloth, drape it over the colander and pour boiling water all over slowly trying not to knock it off. Use some tongs to rearrange it if necessary. If using a jelly bag just pour boiling water over it.
Strain the liquid and put it the pan. Heat gently dissolving the sugar, then
increase the temperature to bring the liquid to a simmer, simmering fro 2 - 3
minutes Using a jug and funnel pour the hot cordial into your bottles. Pour to the top as it will settle. Seal.
Strain the liquid and put it the pan. Heat gently dissolving the sugar, then
increase the temperature to bring the liquid to a simmer, simmering fro 2 - 3
minutes Using a jug and funnel pour the hot cordial into your bottles. Pour to the top as it will settle. Seal.
How to sterilise bottles and jam jars
If you make large amounts of cordial you will need to sterilise you bottles to increase their shelf life for up to four months. I find the easiest method is to use a microwave oven (well it has to be good for something other than defrosting!) Put a small amount of cold water in the bottom of the bottle and place in the microwave for approx. 5 mins on full power. *IMPORTANT* remember to remove the metal swing top lid before placing in the microwave. Lids can be cooked in a pan of boiling water for a few minutes.
How to extend the shelf life to 1 year using a hot water bath method
It is quite tricky to extend the shelf life of cordials as regular 1litre bottles are too tall to fit inside a large pan. A 2ltr bottle as pictured above will fit (just). *IMPORTANT* Ensure that there is at least 2 inches space between the cordial and the top of the bottle as the cordial will rise with the heating and the top will pop off, and you will experience burnt fingers trying to get the darn thing back on! Place the hot bottle of cordial on top of a metal pan trivet or a folded tea cloth to keep it off the bottom of the pan. Fill the pan with water ( I used warm water as I was concerned that using cold from the tap may crack the bottle as the bottle was hot with the cordial) Turn the heat on and bring the water to a simmer, and let it simmer for approx. 20 minutes. Voila, hopefully a fine bottle of cordial to enjoy through the dark, cold winter!
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