ELDERFLOWER
elderflower cordial
A classic you can’t go wrong with! This floral syrup is so versatile. The key to the best elderflower cordial is picking the elderflowers that are in full sun.
Ingredients
30 elderflower blooms
2 lemons – roughly sliced
1kg white sugar
60g citric acid
3 pints boiling water
Method
Put all the ingredients in a large pan or clean bucket and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Leave on the counter for 4 days, stirring occasionally, before straining through a muslin cloth and transferring to sterilised bottles.
The cordial will keep for 3 months in the fridge, or you can freeze the bottles (just make sure you leave room for expansion whilst it freezes!).
elderflower gimlet
Elderflower cordial is the perfect addition to your cocktail cupboard. It pairs so well with lime and gives the sweetness whilst also tons of flavour.
Ingredients
50ml elderflower cordial
50ml gin or vodka
25 ml fresh lime juice
Slice of lime or cucumber – to garnish
Method
Add all the ingredients into a shaker and shake with ice
Strain into a gimlet glass or couple and garnish with the slice of lime
Enjoy!
elderflower granita
For those you don’t have an ice cream machine, this one if perfect. Elderflower granita is so refreshing and couldn’t be more simple. You can always add a splash of gin for a boozy alternative, just don’t go crazy otherwise it won’t freeze! Cucumber is a great addition too so just have a play around with flavours.
Serves 4
Ingredients
200ml elderflower cordial
500ml water
1 lime – zested and juiced
1 lemon– zested and juiced
Method
Mix all the ingredients together and pour in a tray or large tuppaware and freeze.
Mash up with a fork every half an hour until fully frozen.
elderflower vnegar
I love flavoured vinegars and this elderflower vinegar is a great to use for salad dressings.
Ingredients
4 elderflower blossoms
350ml white wine vinegar
Method
Sterilize a jam jar.
Stuff the elderflower blossoms into the jar and cover with the vinegar.
Leave to infuse for 2 weeks before straining through a muslin cloth. It will keep forever.
