Forage for elderflowers in spring and make ederflower cordial

Elderflower cordial is one of my favourite summer drinks and so easy to make yourself. Tastes so much better than shop bought! Recipes like these are not an exact science, I like putting more lemon in to make it tangier, but if you'd rather it be sweeter just add more sugar and less lemon. Don't skimp on the sugar in this recipe though as that's the preservative and the more elderflower the better! This keeps in the fridge for around 6 weeks or freezes for a year. 

Ingredients

30-40 elderflower heads, gently washed to remove bugs & large stalks removed 

2kg white sugar

2l water

50g citric acid

5 lemons, sliced

Method

• In the largest saucepan you have, add the sugar and water. Put on a low heat until the sugar dissolves.
  
  

• Once dissolved, bring to the boil and allow the sugar mixture to boil for 10 minutes.
  
  
  
• Turn off the heat and add the elderflower heads, lemons and citric acid. Mix well.
  
  
  
• Cover with a tea towel and let infuse for 24 hours.
  
  
  
• The next day, strain the mixture through a muslin or fine cloth.
  
  
  
• Transfer to sterilised glass bottles!