Elderflower Cordial

It has been a weekend of making Elderflower Cordial in our house and it tastes delicious diluted with sparking water. Elderflowers impart a delicious muscat flavour, and this easy-to-make refreshing summer cordial is an ideal non-alcoholic aperitif for a summer party or barbecue. There are plenty of 'free' elderflowers in the hedgerows just now - I only had to go 30 yards to get mine.The cordial will keep for for up to 3 months if refrigerated and can be made in 25 minutes plus standing time.

Ingredients: (makes 600ml)
12 elderflower heads
1 large lemon - washed
750g granulated sugar
2.5tbs citric acid

Method: 

• Shake the elderflowers well to remove any insects and put them in a large bowl.

• Pare off the zest from the lemon in thick strips and thinly slice the fruit. Put the zest and lemon slices in the bowl with the elderflowers.
• Put the sugar and 600ml of water in a large saucepan and heat slowly, stirring gently, until the sugar has dissolved. Then bring to the boil.
• Pour the boiling syrup over the elderflowers and lemon and stir well, then stir in the citric acid. Cover with a clean cloth and leave to stand for 24 hours.

• Strain through a muslin-lined sieve into a clean bowl, then pour into a sterilized bottle using a sterilized funnel. Seal, label and store in the fridge. Its high sugar and citric acid content means this cordial will keep in a cool, dark place, but it is better refrigerated.   

What's next? - Elderflower champagne!