Elderflower Cordial + Champagne

I grew up with my mum making this deliciously sweet syrup every year. She has a massive terracotta pot that sits in the kitchen which she stirs every morning and evening. It’s delicious and really easy to make, and now is the season, the Elderflower trees are blooming with the beautiful flowers.

Below I have attached my Mums and Grandfathers recipes.

Elderflower Cordial

2 1/2 pints boiling water

4lbs white sugar (I know its a ton but you only use a dash in each drink!)

30 elderflower heads

2 1/2 oz citric acid - (you can buy natural citric acid from health food stores)

Our boiling water onto other ingredients and then leave and stir night and morning for 5 days. Strain into bottles.

Dilute with tonic or still water for the most refreshing drink. Also good with gin and tonic. Keep for 2 months or freeze to use year-round.

Elderflower Champagne

Squeeze one lemon and cut into four.

Put pieces and juice in earthenware (or a bowl - just not a metal bowl). Pop two large elderflower heads in.

Add :

1lb of sugar

2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar

1 gallon of cold water

Leave for 24 hours - stir if sugar has not mixed in. Strain into bottles with screw tops.

Keep two weeks - chill before use.

It keeps for around 3 months.

Enjoy - thanks Grandpa Greenwood for the recipe!