Elderflower Cordiale
The Elder (latin name Sambucus Nigra) is just coming into flower in the UK.
Elderflowers make a thirst quenching cordiale with a distinctive flavour. Elderflower champagne and elderflower wine are also popular drinks.
There are many different recipes for elderflower cordiale. The main ingredients are elderflower heads on a very short stalk, sugar and water. Lemon and citric acid can be added to help it keep longer. Mrs Beeton added butterscotch to increase the flavour. Proportions vary with taste, but here is a guide:
Elderflower cordiale ingredients:
- 20 heads of elderflower
- 1.8kg granulated or caster sugar
- 1.2 litres water
- 2 unwaxed lemon
- 75g citric acid
Collect the flowers when they are fully out, on a dry, sunny day when the nectar is at its height.
Shake the flowers in a downward motion to get rid of the tiny black flies.
Place layers of flowers, and sugar in a large bowl or bucket.
Pour boiling water over the flowers, so that they are covered.
Leave for 24 hours
Strain and pour the liquid into plastic bottles.
Refridgerate or freeze
Use elderflower cordiale as:
- a refreshing drink diluted with water, fizzy water, or iced water
- to provide a syrup for fruit salad
- as hayfever relief
I love elderflower cordial so thanks for sharing this recipe.
Sara from farmingfriends
Comment by Sara - May 17, 2007 9:40 am
Hi Sara
Yes, elderflower have a flavour of their own. How do you use the cordiale?
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - May 17, 2007 1:27 pm
[…] are strongly scented with an unusual flavour. Their flavour combines well with gooseberries. Elderflower cordial is a thirst quenching summer drink. gooseberry […]
Pingback by Top Veg » Blog Archive - June 18, 2007 12:30 pm
Hi Top Veg, I like my cordial diluted with fizzy water and I also like elderflower champagne.
Sara from farmingfriends
Comment by Sara - June 20, 2007 4:42 pm
Hi Sara
Fizzy water certainly adds a sparkle to the cordial.
Isn’t it wonderful to be able to have so many delicious variations from such a simple plant!
Have you tried it with gooseberries?
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - June 20, 2007 9:27 pm
Hi Top Veg,
No I haven’t tried gooseberries but will have to try it soon. the Cottage Smallholder suggests elderflower cordial and pink grapefruit. Here is the link to the recipe. http://www.cottagesmallholder.com/?p=335
This also sounds good.
Sara from farmingfriends
Comment by farmingfriends - June 20, 2007 10:20 pm
Thanks Sara
That really sounds good - I look forward to trying it on a warm summer’s day!
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - June 20, 2007 10:40 pm
Hi, I have made the cordial with fresh flowers, but has anyone made any with the dried flowers? If so is that taste the same?
thanks
deb
Comment by Deb Cox - October 7, 2007 1:16 pm
Hi Deb
I have never heard of anyone drying the flowers. Will have to give it a go next spring. Have you dried the flowers?
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - October 7, 2007 5:34 pm
Hi TopVeg,
Yes, I dry the flowers. Best to dry them in a warm dark dry place as they discolour if exposed to sun/light.
The cordial we have also used for colds. Add hot water and lemon juice, tastes similar to the old honey and lemon juice trick. Helps sweat out the cold.
Good growing to all.
Deb
Comment by Deb Cox - May 22, 2008 6:51 pm
Hi Deb
We do the same with lime flowers. They are dried and used as an infusion for colds. I will have a go at drying elder flowers this year. Thanks for the info
TopVeg
Comment by TopVeg - May 22, 2008 8:07 pm
[…] Click this link for a good recipe for elderflower cordial. […]
Pingback by Top Veg » Blog Archive » Making Elderflower Drinks - June 27, 2008 8:54 am