HOW TO MAKE ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL

 It is Elderberry flower season here in the West of Ireland.  They are in bloom all over our town including in our Yarden, where we have a small but beautiful Sambucus Nigra 

Now is the best time to get a cutting, plant it in a 50/50 mix of grit and soil, and leave it in a shady corner if you want to propagate your own for Free.

Our Tree is unfortunately still a little on the small side for making cordial so I headed out the other day with my puppy on the lead and a basket in my hand and brought home lots of lovely flowers.  They smell divine and made up some lovely Elderflower Cordial which is so easy and like summer in a bottle.

ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1k /2 ¼ lbs sugar

• 1.5 litres / 6 cups boiling water

• 2 medium lemons, washed and an Orange

• 30 large Elderflower heads, shake to remove any insects

• 55g / 2 oz citric acid (available from a chemist)

THE HOW TO BIT

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

2. Bring 1.5 litres of water to a 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 it 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 corks.

Use it to make a fresh summer drink or you could make refreshing ice lollies or drizzle over fresh fruit.