Name: Homemade elderflower cordial
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½kg Caster sugar; 1 ½l Boiled water; 3 Unwaxed lemons; 20 Elderflower heads; 80g Citric acid (available from health food shops or chemists)

Ingredients

1 ½kg Caster sugar
1 ½l Boiled water
3 Unwaxed lemons
20 Elderflower heads
80g Citric acid (available from health food shops or chemists)

Method

STEP 1
Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove any insects (don’t rinse them, as it strips the pollen and flavour). Remove and leaves or stalks.
STEP 2
Place the sugar into a saucepan, pour in the boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves.
STEP 3
Grate the lemon rind, then slice the fruit and add to the pot. Add the citric acid and the elderflowers and stir.
STEP 4
Steep for 24–48 hours, then strain into sterilised bottles and store in a cool, dry place for up to a month or freeze.
STEP 5
Dilute with water to taste – fizzy water seems to create the perfect summer drink.