Capture the delicate essence of summer with this refreshing Lemon and Elderflower Cordial, perfect for cooling down on warm days or elevating your homemade cocktails. Featuring aromatic elderflower heads paired with tangy fresh lemons, this easy-to-make recipe brings together natural ingredients to create a light, floral syrup that's as versatile as it is delicious. With simple stovetop techniques and a touch of citric acid to balance the flavors, the cordial infuses over 24–48 hours to achieve its signature fragrance and brightness. Whether served with sparkling water or mixed into a vibrant mocktail, this recipe yields a generous batch to keep your fridge stocked for up to two months. Ideal for garden parties and family gatherings, this cordial embodies the essence of summer in every sip. Perfect keywords: elderflower cordial recipe, lemon elderflower drink, homemade cordial, refreshing summer drinks.
Begin by washing and scrubbing the lemons to remove any wax or impurities. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the lemon zest, ensuring not to include the bitter white pith underneath.
In a large saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately add the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved to create a clear syrup.
While the sugar is dissolving, squeeze the juice from the lemons into a separate bowl and set aside.
Inspect the elderflower heads, gently shaking and checking for any insects. Trim the thick stalks, leaving only the small flowers.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, trimmed elderflower heads, and citric acid to the sugar syrup. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover the saucepan with a lid and leave the mixture to infuse for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
After infusing, place a fine sieve or muslin cloth over a large bowl or pot and strain the mixture, ensuring to press the flowers with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid.
Pour the strained cordial into sterilized bottles or jars and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to two months.
To serve, dilute the cordial to taste with still or sparkling water. Adjust the ratio depending on your preference for sweetness and strength of flavor.
Calories |
3958 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.6 g | 2% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 60 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1043.5 g | 379% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 1007.2 g | ||
| Protein | 4.2 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 224 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 820 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.