A few weeks ago I was bought a preserve and cordial making kit; and seeing that it is elderflower season in England, it seemed only fair that I should make some cordial. Although kits like these are not essential, for a novice like me, it most definitely made the process easier.
2 litres and many a compliment later, it is safe to say the cordial went down well so I have decided to write the recipe up for you (thanks mum).
Elderflower recipe
20 large heads of elderflower
4lbs sugar
35 fl. oz of water
2.5 oz citric acid (from a pharmacists)
2 lemons
Method
1. Pour the sugar and water into a saucepan and bring this to the boil. Leave it to simmer for 10 minutes, or until the sugar has been dissolved.
2. Whilst waiting for the sugar to dissolve, grate the zest of the two lemons and slice what is left. You also will need to remove as much of the green stalk from the elderflower heads as possible. Once this is done place the zest, slices, flower heads and citric acid in a bowl.
3. Pour the sugar water over the mixture in the bowl and cover. Leave this to infuse for 48 hours.
4. Line a colander with a clean tea towel and set this up over a large bowl. If you have a specific muslin or preserve making kit then you may use that.
5. Pour the infused elderflower mixture into the colander slowly and let it filter slowly, give it an hour.
6. Sterilise sealable glass bottles and when you are happy the mixture has finished draining, pour it into the glass bottles.
7. Add to sparkling water, or a glass of prosecco.
Enjoy.