Elderflower Cordial

June has brought us masses of Elderflower this year, I’ve never seen the hedgerows so full of them…maybe it’s all the rain we’ve had. Whatever the reason I’m not complaining, and I’ll take it as a sign to go foraging and make some Elderflower cordial. It’s super simple to make and so beautifully fragrant. A perfect refreshing drink for sunny picnics, or why not add a splash to a glass of fizz

Elderflower heads

Ingredients

• Makes about 2 litres

  • About 25 elderflower heads

  • Finely grated zest of 3 unwaxed lemons and 1 orange, plus their juice (about 150ml in total)

  • 1kg sugar

  • 1 heaped tsp citric acid (optional)

Method

1. Inspect the elderflower heads carefully and remove any insects. Place the flower heads in a large bowl together with the orange and lemon zest.

2. Bring 1.5 litres water to the boil and pour over the elderflowers and citrus zest. Cover and leave overnight to infuse.

3. Strain the liquid through a scalded jelly bag or piece of muslin and pour into a saucepan. Add the sugar, the lemon and orange juice and the citric acid (if using).

4. Heat gently to dissolve the sugar, then bring to a simmer and cook for a couple of minutes.

5. Use a funnel to pour the hot syrup into sterilised bottles. Seal the bottles with swing-top lids, sterilised screw-tops or cork