With the arrival of spring, my garden comes alive with a lot of blooms. One of them is Elderflower. To preserve this heavily scented flower, I make this easy Elderflower cordial recipe, which makes refreshing drinks during summer. Because of its strong smell, elderflower cordial can be used also in ice creams, vinegar and cocktails for extra flavor.
What is the difference between Cordial & Syrup ?
I have always wondered at this myself, until I discovered the technicalities. I guess a lot depends on the language usage and the country you are from.
Cordial – Cordial technically refers to a tonic, syrup, or non-alcoholic drink that is frequently thought to be particularly sweet. Although, many people use the phrase cordial to refer to any form of liqueur with a low alcohol concentration, in theory its not.
Now comes the question of what is a syrup ?
Syrup is thinner in consistency with less sugar than syrup-based drinks such as cough syrups, chocolate sauce and pancake syrup.
Then, what’s the difference between elderflower cordial and syrup?
Elderflower cordial does not contain alcohol despite its name. If the recipe contains alcohol, it is known as Elderflower Liqueur known as St. Germain. Elderflower syrup and cordial are made with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice and elderflowers that are steeped in a simple syrup.
How to make Elderflower Cordial Recipe
This recipe is quick and easy to make. Since, I have an abundance of these flowers growing in my back yard, I don’t need to forage them. Elderflower bushes are native to Europe and they grow wild. Although, I have a few bushes we cannot pick all the berries or flowers for our own use. Therefore, we also leave a little of the berries for the birds.
Since, the elderflower season is short, we have to pick them quickly about just the time they bloom. Otherwise, they turn to berries. On the other hand, with the berries you can make a jam mixed with apple, or make an immune boosting cold and flu syrup.
The best time to pick the flowers is between late May to June. This also depends on the sub-climate in each zone of Europe.
Tips to make Elderflower Cordial Recipe
- Use only the flowers and not the twigs for the recipe. Because, the root and twigs are poisonous.
- Pick the flowers from zero traffic area in order to avoid the petrol fumes, moreover it would be better from your own garden or a friends garden.
- Make the cordial quickly as soon as you pick the flowers in order to retain the scent.
- Pick the flowers on a dry and sunny day so, the flowers are not wet with dew.
- Pick flowers that have just opened. In case, some of the tiny buds are still closed while picking, don’t worry. Since, these young flowers will have the most scent and will give more flavor to your cordial. Avoid branches with brown or dead flowers.
- Best time to pick the flowers is when its sunny, in case its not, air dry them shortly in your home before making the cordial. Spread them on a tray with a tea towel to absorb the moisture.
How long can you store the Elderberry Cordial?
If you want to store it longer than a few weeks, preserve the filled and sterilized jars with water bath canning.
Can you freeze Elderberry cordial?
Yes, you can. I usually freeze them in ice cube trays. On the other hand, you can also freeze them in plastic bottles or freezer safe bottles. Don’t fill to the brim, leave space before closing the caps on, in order to allow for expansion during freezing.
Tools needed to make Elderberry Cordial
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Big stainless steel sauce pan.
Sterilized swing top glass bottles
Ingredients
- 2 lemons washed and sliced or cut into chunks
- 15 bunches Elderflower Blossoms leaves and stems removed as much as possible
- 1 kilogram granulated sugar
- 1 liter water
- 20 grams citric acid
- Juice of 2 lemons, strained. I love adding lemon juice for that extra zing.
Elderflower Cordial Syrup Recipe Instructions
1. Shake any bugs off the elderflower and set it aside. It is not necessary to wash so that the flowers will still retain the smell and flavor.
2. In a deep heavy bottom pot, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Add the strained lemon juice to it.
3. Remove some of the lemon peel with a vegetable peeler, avoid the pith and cut the rest into slices.
4. Add the cut lemon and the elderflower (flower first, stems sticking up) to the sugar syrup and then cover.
5. Let it sit for 24 hours.
6. Line a strainer with cheese cloth and set it over a bowl. Pour the syrup through the strainer carefully.
7. Store in sterilized glass bottles.
If you want to store them longer, do water bath canning for 20 minutes.
How to serve Elderflower Cordial Syrup
Dilute the cordial with still or fizzy water. Add ice cubes if desired.
Add a dollop of the syrup to ice creams and fruit salads.
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Do not wash the elderflowers otherwise they will lose some of their flavour.
Try the syrup after it has been strained. If it tastes bitter, discard and start again.
Use only organic lemon.
Store in a cool, dark place for 6 months. Once you open, keep the cordial refrigerated. If you do water bath canning, you can store longer.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
