Elderflower Cordial

Elderflower cordial has been a staple of tea parties, country house pantries and village fetes for generations. I personally have not tried this recipe but it sounded interesting so I thought I'd share it.

• Ready In: 24 hrs 20 mins
• Yields: 1 1/2 litres

Ingredients

• 20  heads elderberry flowers
• 1 7⁄8 kg sugar
• 1 1⁄4 liters water
• 2  unwaxed lemons
• 75  g  citric acid

Directions

1. Shake elderflowers to expel any insects, and then place in large bowl.
2. Put sugar into a pan with the water and bring to boil, stirring until sugar has dissolved.
3. While the sugar syrup is heating, pare zest of lemons off in wide strips and toss into bowl with elderflowers. Slice lemons, discard the ends, and add slices to bowl.
4. Pour over boiling syrup, and stir in the citric acid. Cover with a cloth and leave at room temp for 24 hours.
5. Next day, strain cordial through a sieve lined with muslin (or a new J-Cloth rinsed out in boiling water), and pour into thoroughly cleaned glass or plastic bottles.
6. Screw on lids and it's ready to use.
7. TO SERVE: Dilute cordial to taste with fizzy water, and serve over ice.