Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower cordial is a simple infusion of elderflowers, lemon, and sugar — left to steep, then strained and bottled. The result is fragrant and golden, a summery syrup that can be mixed into drinks, cakes, or sorbets. A once-a-year ritual that brings beauty into the everyday, made from a slow walk and a basket of blooms.

Elderflower growing on an elder tree, close up of the white flower

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Infusing Time 24

Total Time 24 20

Course Condiment, Drinks

Cuisine British Home Cooking

Servings servings

Calories 146

Ingredients

1 litre water
750 g golden caster sugar
25 units elderflower heads | collected away from roads and on a dry day
1 unit unwaxed lemon | juice and zest

Instructions

Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove any bugs. Snip off thick stalks (a little green is fine).
25 units elderflower heads
In a large bowl or pan, boil the water and stir in the sugar to dissolve. Add the lemon juice and zest. Stir to mix.
1 litre water, 750 g golden caster sugar, 1 unit unwaxed lemon
Add the elderflowers, cover and leave in a cold place for 24 hours to infuse.
25 units elderflower heads
Strain through a muslin cloth or fine sieve into a clean pan.
Pour into sterilised bottles. Store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks, or freeze in small portions.

Nutrition

Serving: 50mlCalories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 0.001gFat: 0.1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 1mgFiber: 0.002gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 0.01IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.02mg

Nutritional values are estimates only and will vary depending on specific ingredients used. Nutrition is per serving. Information is for the main recipe, not optional accompaniments.