Elderflower Cordial

This is a recipe for a frugal foodie cordial which although it is made with the flowers of a plant found in many hedgerows and river banks is sold in high end retailers for a lot of money. It is versatile as it is great in cold sparkling water as a great non-alcoholic summer drink or, on festive occasions, it makes a great addition to many cocktails.

Ingredients:

30 elderflower heads (gather away from the highway if you can)
6 pints of boiling water
2 lb. white sugar
4-6 tsp. citric acid
3 sliced unwaxed lemons

Directions:

Use the elderflowers as soon after gathering as possible. Pick them over removing any visible bugs and beasties then gently rinse in plain water to remove dust, etc.

Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a large non-reactive container, add the citric acid and sliced lemons. Once the mixture has cooled a little add the flower heads.

Store the whole thing in a cool place for between 24-48 hours stirring a few times.

Finally strain through a coffee filter, jelly bag, or muslin and bottle. It will keep in the fridge for 2-4 weeks

This is a large quantity if you are making it just for yourself so what I do is freeze it in pint size plastic water bottles so I can drink it throughout the year. We even had some on Christmas Day last year. A taste of the summer!