Elderflower Cordial

Ingredients

• ●20 to 25 large elderflower heads, freshly picked
• ●4 cups granulated sugar
• ●6 cups boiling water
• ●2 lemons, zested and sliced into rounds
• ●1 orange, zested and sliced
• ●2 tablespoons citric acid (available at pharmacies or canning supply stores)

Method

1. Shake the elderflower heads gently to remove any insects, but don't wash them — water removes the pollen, which carries much of the flavor. Remove any thick stems or leaves.
2. Place the flowers in a large, non-reactive container (glass, ceramic, or food-grade plastic).
3. Dissolve the sugar in the boiling water, stirring until clear. Let cool for 5 minutes.
4. Add the lemon zest, lemon slices, orange zest, orange slices, and citric acid to the flowers.
5. Pour the warm sugar water over everything. Stir well.
6. Cover with a clean cloth or lid and let steep at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours, stirring once or twice a day.
7. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a clean tea towel. Squeeze gently to get all the liquid.
8. Pour into sterilized bottles.
9. *To serve:** Dilute 1 part cordial to 4 to 5 parts cold water or sparkling water. Add ice and a slice of lemon.
10. *Storage:** Refrigerate for up to 6 weeks, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to a year. You can also process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes for shelf-stable storage.
11. *Seasonal note:** Pick elderflowers on a dry, sunny morning when they're fully open and fragrant. Avoid flowers near busy roads. The best ones smell sweet and creamy — if they smell musty or cat-like, leave them.