Elderflower cordial

Elder (Sambucus) grow in abundance along the canal network close to where we live. At this time of year their creamy white frothy umbels perfume everywhere you walk. 

It is now the time, as we have done many years before, to pick the flowers to make elderflower cordial - our favourite of the summer drinks. We only pick flowers that are not close to roads or pollution and high enough not to be watered by dogs! 

To make cordial you will need: 

• 20 flowerheads 
• 5/6 unwaxed lemons
• 1.8kg caster sugar 
• 50g citric acid 
• 1.5 litres boiling water 

1. Give the flower heads a quick shake to remove any insects, then put into a pan

2. Grate the zest of the lemons before slicing and adding to the flower heads

3. Add caster sugar, citric acid and boiling water, stir to dissolve the sugar 

4. Cover, and leave for at least 24 hours 

5. Strain through muslin/ sieve into sterilised bottles 

This is a delicious drink, diluted with either still or fizzy water, or added to something more alcoholic. It keeps for a few weeks but we find it goes very quickly. We make more and more every year, but alas, we never seem to have enough! 

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