Following on from my previous post, I strained the elderflower & lemon mixture and poured the cordial into 3 bottles.
As you can see, one of them has already gone down...
It is so fresh tasting, so much nicer than shop bought cordials. If you have elderflower shrubs within easy reach, I urge you to have a go at making some. The whole process is so rewarding, from picking the elderflowers to finally drinking this beautifully fragrant drink.
It is so simple and easy to make, just a little patience is required until you can sample it.
There are many recipes out there but this is how I made mine this time:
INGREDIENTS:
25 - 30 elderflower heads
1.5 Litres of boiling water
4 lemons (I used unwaxed organic)
1Kg of organic caster or granulated sugar
I did not use any citric acid this time
When picking the elderflowers, look for healthy looking shrubs away from the road side.
I do not wash the elderflower head as it is said that it can take away some of the flavour.
When you have collected the heads, shake them gently to get rid of any unwanted insects. There were quite a few thunder bugs on the ones we found so it took a while to shake them off but we got there in the end!
HOW I MADE IT:
Pour the sugar into a large saucepan or large (heat proof) glass bowl and add the boiling water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Leave to cool down completely.
Grate the lemons to remove the zest then cut the lemons in to slices.
Add the lemon zest, slices and flowers heads into the sugary water, stir.
Place in a cool area with a tea towel or cling film on top and leave to infuse for 24 to 48 hours. Stir occasionally during that time.
When ready, strain through muslin into sterilised bottles. Store in the fridge.
Pour some in to a glass, top up with water, ice cube and a slice of lemon or lime and enjoy.....
It depends on which part of the country or the world you live in but hopefully, some of you should still be in with a chance of making some. You'll be glad you did!
A bientôt!
Isabelle X
