Welcome to the enchanting world of homemade elderflower cordial! This delightful and aromatic beverage captures the very essence of summer in a bottle. With its delicate floral notes and refreshing taste, elderflower cordial is not just a drink; it’s a versatile ingredient that elevates everything from sparkling water to sophisticated cocktails, and even brings a unique flavor to your baking creations.
You might be surprised to discover just how simple it is to craft your own elderflower cordial from scratch. Not only is it significantly more economical than store-bought versions, but the process itself is a rewarding experience. Imagine bottling the fragrant bounty of nature and sharing it with loved ones. A homemade cordial makes a truly thoughtful and delicious gift, showcasing your culinary passion and appreciation for seasonal delights.
As June unfolds, ushering in the vibrant peak of summer, nature offers an abundance of wonderful produce. Among these seasonal treasures, the elderflower stands out as a true star. Its creamy-white blossoms, usually found gracing hedgerows and country lanes, herald the season of warmth and sunshine. Now is the perfect time to embrace this fleeting natural gift and transform it into something truly magical for your pantry.
Why You Will Adore This Homemade Elderflower Cordial
Prepare to fall in love with this elderflower cordial recipe, a true embodiment of summer captured and preserved. This sweet, fragrant, and wonderfully versatile liquid offers a myriad of reasons to become your new favorite:
- A Taste of Summer in Every Sip: Each drop of this cordial is like a burst of sunshine. Its unique, delicate floral flavor instantly transports you to warm summer meadows, making it an unparalleled refreshment on a hot day.
- Incredible Versatility: This isn’t just a simple drink. While perfectly refreshing when mixed with sparkling water, elderflower cordial also serves as an exquisite base for cocktails. Elevate your wine, prosecco, champagne, or even a classic G&T with a splash of its aromatic goodness. Beyond beverages, it’s a secret ingredient in culinary creations, from desserts to savory dishes.
- Fantastic Natural Flavor: The distinctive, subtly sweet, and floral notes of elderflower are unlike anything else. Making it yourself ensures a pure, unadulterated flavor that store-bought versions often lack.
- Potential Health Benefits: Traditionally, elderflower has been revered for its medicinal properties. While not a cure-all, it’s often associated with helping to soothe cold and flu symptoms, and some believe it offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Enjoying this cordial might just give you a little boost alongside its delicious taste.
- Simple & Rewarding: The process of making your own cordial is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the fruits (or rather, flowers) of your labor.
Understanding the Elderflower: Nature’s Delicate Treasure
At its heart, elderflower is the beautiful, fragrant blossom of the elderberry tree, scientifically known as Sambucus nigra. These resilient trees are incredibly common across Europe and North America, often found flourishing in hedgerows, woodlands, and along quiet countryside lanes. If you embark on a leisurely walk during late spring or early summer, your chances of encountering one are remarkably high.
The elderflower is instantly recognizable by its sprays of delicate, lacy white flowers. These tiny blossoms grow in flat-topped clusters, emitting a sweet, distinctive fragrance that is truly captivating. Historically, these flowers have been utilized in a variety of culinary applications, giving rise to everything from wines and champagnes to, of course, the beloved cordials we cherish today.
As the summer progresses, these enchanting white flowers gracefully transform into small, dark purple elderberries. These berries, too, hold significant culinary value and are often used to create elderberry cordial, jams, and tinctures known for their health benefits. But before they mature into berries, seize the opportunity to harness the fleeting beauty and aroma of the flowers for your very own elderflower cordial.
It’s worth noting that while the European Elder is the most common variety, producing the creamy-white flowers we primarily use for cordial, other types exist. For instance, the Black Elder produces stunning pink or purple flowers, adding to the rich diversity of this remarkable plant. When foraging, always ensure you correctly identify the elder tree to guarantee safety and the best flavor for your cordial.
The Simple Ingredients for a Spectacular Cordial
One of the most appealing aspects of this elderflower cordial recipe is its simplicity. You only need a handful of readily available ingredients to create this summer elixir. This recipe yields approximately 3 liters of fragrant cordial, perfect for enjoying or sharing.
- Fresh Elderflower Heads: The star of our show! It is crucial to use only freshly picked elderflower heads. Look for the fullest, “fluffiest” blossoms that are vibrant and free from any signs of browning or wilting. Avoid any flowers near busy roads to ensure they are free from pollutants. Their delicate pollen is key to the cordial’s aroma and flavor.
- Lemons: Three medium to large lemons are essential for this recipe. We utilize their versatile qualities: the fragrant zest, thin slices, and tart juice. The citric acid present in lemons not only provides a refreshing tang and balances the sweetness but also acts as a natural preservative, significantly extending the cordial’s shelf life. For an even longer-lasting cordial or if you prefer a stronger citrus note, you can replace one of the lemons with 1 heaped teaspoon of food-grade citric acid. Always opt for unwaxed lemons when using the peel.
- Granulated or Caster Sugar: Sugar is vital for both flavor and texture. It provides the sweetness that complements the floral notes of the elderflower and creates the luscious, syrupy consistency characteristic of a good cordial. While granulated sugar works perfectly, caster sugar dissolves slightly faster. You can adjust the exact amount of sugar to suit your personal taste, but remember that sufficient sugar is needed to achieve the desired syrupy texture and aid in preservation.
- Water: Plain water forms the base of our syrup, dissolving the sugar and allowing the elderflower and lemon flavors to infuse beautifully.
Essential Equipment for Cordial Making
While no highly specialized gadgets are required, having the right basic kitchen tools will make your elderflower cordial making experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Saucepan: Choose the largest saucepan you own. This is crucial for boiling the sugar syrup and ensuring there’s ample space for all the elderflower heads and lemons to be fully submerged during the infusion process. A generous size prevents overflows and ensures even infusion.
- Fine Sieve: After the infusion period, you’ll need to strain the cordial to remove the flowers and lemon bits. A fine sieve is essential to catch larger particles.
- Clean Tea Towel or Muslin Cloth: To achieve a crystal-clear cordial, line your fine sieve with a clean tea towel or a dedicated muslin cloth. This extra layer acts as a super-fine filter, catching any tiny bits of pollen, stray flower petals, or minuscule insects that the sieve alone might miss. This step significantly improves the cordial’s appearance and mouthfeel.
- Funnel: While not strictly mandatory, a funnel is an incredibly handy item. It makes pouring the strained cordial into narrow-necked bottles much easier, minimizing spills and mess, and ensuring a clean bottling process.
- Ladle: A ladle is useful for transferring the cordial from the large bowl (after straining) into the funnel and then into the bottles. It offers more control than trying to pour directly from a large bowl.
- Glass Bottles or Jars: You’ll need appropriate containers to store your finished cordial. Sterilised glass bottles with airtight caps or swing-top lids, or sterilised jars, are an absolute must. Proper sterilization is key to ensuring the cordial’s long shelf life and preventing spoilage. See the detailed instructions below for how to sterilize effectively.
How to Properly Sterilise Glass Bottles and Jars
Sterilizing your containers is the most critical step for ensuring your homemade elderflower cordial remains fresh and safe for an extended period. This process eliminates bacteria and yeasts that could cause spoilage. Here’s a reliable method:
- Initial Cleaning: Begin by thoroughly washing your glass bottles or jars. You can either run them through a hot cycle in your dishwasher or wash them by hand in warm, soapy water. Ensure you clean them inside and out, paying attention to the rims and threads.
- Rinsing: Rinse the bottles and jars exceptionally well under hot running water to remove all traces of soap. Do not dry them with a towel; instead, leave them wet.
- Preparation for Oven: Place the clean, wet bottles or jars upside down on a clean baking tray. If you have lids that are oven-safe (e.g., metal screw-top lids without plastic seals), you can place them on the tray as well. Avoid plastic lids during this step; these should be sterilized separately in very hot (but not boiling) water just before use.
- Oven Sterilization: Preheat your oven to approximately 160°C (325°F). Once heated, carefully place the baking tray with the bottles/jars into the oven for about 15 minutes. The heat will sterilize the glass, and the residual water will evaporate, ensuring they are dry and sterile.
- Cooling & Handling: Remove the tray from the oven. Allow the bottles and jars to cool down slightly, but ideally, they should still be warm when you fill them. When handling, avoid touching the inside of the bottles or the rims with your bare hands, as this can reintroduce bacteria. Use clean tongs or gloves if necessary.
- Filling: When pouring the cordial into the bottles or jars, take care not to get any of the mixture onto the rim. This also helps prevent bacterial contamination. Fill the containers not quite to the very top, leaving about a ½ cm (¼ inch) gap between the surface of the cordial and the lid. This headspace allows for expansion if freezing and maintains a better seal.
Crafting Your Elderflower Cordial: Step-by-Step Guide
Making your own elderflower cordial is a truly rewarding experience, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful summer treat. Follow these instructions for a perfect batch:
- Elderflower Preparation: As soon as you’ve harvested your elderflowers, aim to start making the cordial. The delicate blossoms are prone to wilting quickly, and their fragrance diminishes over time. Gently shake each flower head over your kitchen sink to dislodge any small insects or loose dirt. A crucial tip: do not wash the elderflower heads. The precious pollen within these tiny blossoms is what imparts that signature, exquisite flavor and aroma to your cordial. Removing it would significantly impact the final taste.
- Lemon Preparation: Wash your unwaxed lemons thoroughly. Using a vegetable peeler or a fine grater, carefully remove the zest from the lemons, ensuring you only get the yellow part and avoid the bitter white pith. Then, slice two of the lemons into thin rounds. Juice the remaining lemon to get fresh lemon juice.
- Create the Sugar Syrup: In your large saucepan, combine 1.5 liters of water and the 1.5 kg of sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until all the sugar has completely dissolved, forming a clear syrup. Bring the syrup to a gentle boil, then immediately remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Infusion Begins: To the still-warm sugar syrup in the saucepan, add your prepared elderflower heads (after trimming off any large, tough green stalks), the lemon slices, lemon peel, and the fresh lemon juice (or citric acid, if using). Use a large spoon or spatula to gently stir everything together, ensuring all the elderflowers are fully submerged in the liquid. This is vital for a thorough infusion.
- The Infusion Period: Cover the saucepan with a lid and leave the mixture to infuse for a minimum of 24 hours at room temperature. For a stronger flavor, you can extend the infusion period up to 48 hours. This allows the delicate floral and citrus notes to fully permeate the syrup.
- Straining the Cordial: The next day, prepare your straining setup. Place a fine sieve over a large, clean bowl. Line the sieve with a clean tea towel or a muslin cloth. Carefully pour the infused elderflower mixture through the lined sieve. Allow it to strain slowly, collecting the clear cordial in the bowl below. Once the liquid has passed through, gather the corners of the tea towel/muslin and gently squeeze out any remaining liquid from the elderflowers and lemons. Discard the spent flowers and lemon bits.
- Bottling and Storage: Using a funnel and a ladle, carefully pour the strained elderflower cordial into your prepared, sterilised glass bottles or jars. Ensure you leave that small headspace at the top. Seal the bottles tightly. Your homemade elderflower cordial is now ready to be stored and enjoyed!
Beyond Drinks: Creative Uses for Elderflower Cordial
Elderflower cordial’s delightful fragrance and sweet-tart profile make it incredibly versatile, extending its use far beyond just a refreshing beverage. Get creative in the kitchen with these inspiring ideas:
Refreshing Drinks & Cocktails:
- Sparkling Water Enhancer: The classic choice! Mix with still or sparkling water for an instantly refreshing, low-calorie drink. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a fresh mint sprig.
- Lemonade Twist: Add a splash to homemade or store-bought lemonade for an extra layer of floral complexity. It pairs beautifully with lavender lemonade for an unforgettable aromatic experience.
- Cocktail Base: Elevate your mixology! Use it in place of simple syrup in cocktails like a gin fizz, a classic Tom Collins, or even a floral twist on a mojito. It’s fantastic with gin, vodka, white rum, or elderflower liqueur.
- Prosecco or Champagne Spritzer: Add a tablespoon to a glass of chilled Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne for an elegant, celebratory spritzer.
- G&T Enhancement: A dash of elderflower cordial transforms a simple Gin & Tonic into a sophisticated and aromatic drink.
Culinary Creations & Desserts:
- Fruit Salad Drizzle: Lightly drizzle over a fresh fruit salad, especially one featuring berries, melon, or peaches, to enhance their natural sweetness and add a fragrant note.
- Ice Cream & Sorbet Topping: Pour over vanilla ice cream, lemon sorbet, or a scoop of frozen yogurt for an instant gourmet dessert.
- Jams & Jellies: Incorporate it into your homemade jams and jellies, particularly with fruits like gooseberries, strawberries, or raspberries, to add a unique floral dimension.
- Summer Fools: Fold it into whipped cream or custard for strawberry, raspberry, or gooseberry fools, adding a delicate perfume that complements the fruit.
- Pancake & Waffle Syrup: For a special breakfast or brunch, warm the cordial slightly and drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or even crepes. It would be a superb pairing with these tofu pancakes.
Baking & Pastry Arts:
- Cake Batter Infusion: Add a generous splash directly to your cake batter for a subtle floral flavor throughout the sponge. It works wonderfully in lemon, vanilla, or even almond cakes.
- Sponge Cake Soaker: Once baked, brush a warm sponge cake with elderflower cordial to infuse it with moisture and flavor, making it incredibly aromatic and tender.
- Frosting & Buttercream Flavoring: Stir into your buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or glazes to create a fragrant topping for cupcakes, layer cakes, or biscuits.
- Shortbread Enhancement: Use it as a flavoring in shortbread dough or as a glaze for cookies. It would perfectly complement these vegan shortbread cookies, adding a delightful summery twist.
Tips for Responsible Elderflower Foraging
Foraging for elderflowers is a delightful activity, connecting you directly with nature’s bounty. To ensure a successful and sustainable harvest, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Seasonality is Key: Elderflowers typically bloom from late May to mid-June, depending on your geographical location and the specific weather conditions of the year. Keep an eye out for them, as their season is relatively short.
- Choose the Right Time: The best time to pick elderflowers is on a warm, sunny morning, after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too hot. At this time, the buds are freshly open, and their fragrance and pollen content are at their peak.
- Location, Location, Location: Always pick elderflowers from areas well away from busy roads, industrial sites, or areas where pesticides might be used. You want clean, healthy blossoms free from pollutants. Look for them in quiet hedgerows, woodlands, or along country paths.
- Optimal Storage for Transport: Avoid using plastic bags, as they can cause the delicate flowers to sweat and lose their fragrance quickly. Instead, opt for a wicker basket or an open paper bag, which allows for better air circulation and keeps the blossoms fresh.
- Harvesting Method: You can use a small knife or sharp scissors to snip the flower heads just below the cluster. However, they are often easily removed by hand with a gentle twist, provided the stalks aren’t too woody. Aim to leave as much of the green stalk on the tree as possible.
- Dress Appropriately: When foraging in natural environments, long trousers and sturdy boots are highly recommended. This will protect you from nettle stings, brambles, and ticks, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
- Leave Some for Nature: Practise sustainable foraging. Never strip a tree bare. Always leave plenty of flower heads on the elder tree. Not only does this allow others to enjoy the harvest, but it also ensures that the remaining flowers can develop into elderberries later in the summer, providing food for wildlife and ensuring the tree’s continued health for future harvests.
Storing and Freezing Your Elderflower Cordial for Lasting Enjoyment
Proper storage is essential to enjoy your homemade elderflower cordial for months to come. Here’s how to ensure its longevity:
- Long-Term Storage: Once bottled in properly sterilised containers and sealed tightly, elderflower cordial can last for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cellar. The high sugar content and the citric acid from the lemons act as natural preservatives, inhibiting microbial growth.
- After Opening: Once a bottle of cordial has been opened, it should be refrigerated. In the fridge, it will typically remain fresh and delicious for 4-6 weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as unusual smells or mold, before consuming.
- Freezing for Extended Shelf Life: For an even longer storage solution, elderflower cordial freezes beautifully. You can pour it into plastic bottles, making sure to leave ample headspace at the top (at least 2-3 cm or 1 inch) before screwing on the caps. Liquids expand when frozen, and this space prevents bottles from bursting.
- Convenient Ice Cubes: Another excellent freezing method is to pour the cordial into ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. These cordial ice cubes are incredibly convenient for adding directly to drinks, infusing desserts, or using as a quick flavor boost in cooking. They also prevent diluting your drinks with plain water ice.
Enjoying homemade elderflower cordial is a delightful way to capture the fleeting beauty of summer. From foraging to bottling, each step is a journey into creating a truly special beverage that will brighten your days and impress your guests.
📖 Recipe: Classic Elderflower Cordial
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Classic Elderflower Cordial
20 mins
10 mins
1 d 30 mins
Drinks
British
cordial, elderflower cordial
3 litres
1966kcal
Anna
Equipment
- large saucepan
- sterilised bottles or jars
- funnel
- ladle
- sieve
Ingredients
- 30 large fresh elderflower heads (stalks removed/trimmed)
- 3 medium unwaxed lemons (juice and zest)
- 1 ½ kg sugar caster or granulated
- 1.5 liters water
Instructions
- Gently shake the flowers over the kitchen sink to clean out of any bugs. Do not wash the elderflower heads as this will wash out any pollen from the flowers. Peel the skin off the lemons (zest only), then cut two of the lemons into slices, and juice the remaining lemon.
- Pour 1.5 l of water into a large saucepan and place it over a medium heat. Add sugar and stir. Allow the sugar to melt completely, stirring occasionally. Bring the mixture to boil, then remove it from heat and set aside.
- Add elderflowers, lemon slices, lemon peel, and lemon juice to the mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to stir it all together and gently press the elderflowers, so they are covered and submerged in the water. Cover the mixture with lid, and allow it to infuse for 24 hours.
- Use a clean tea towel or a muslin cloth to line the kitchen sieve with, then strain the cordial through it, disposing of any bits left in the towel/ cloth. Use a funnel and ladle to pour the cordial into sterilised bottles or jars.
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Notes
- Calories are per 3 litres of cordial. The average serving of 50 ml of elderflower cordial has about 40 kcal.
- Bottled cordial will last for up to 6 months in the sterilised bottles or jars. Once opened, store it in the fridge and use it within 4-6 weeks. You can also freeze it in plastic bottles or in ice cube trays.
Nutrition
Calories: 1966kcal |
Carbohydrates: 510g |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 1g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g |
Sodium: 7mg |
Potassium: 159mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 502g |
Vitamin A: 24IU |
Vitamin C: 57mg |
Calcium: 33mg |
Iron: 1mg