Elderflower Cordial

Something that always reminds me of the many summer holidays spent as a child in the beautiful English countryside with my family is elderflower cordial. This is something I decided had to be on our drinks list at the cafe.
At the very end of May this year I attempted my first batch; this was such a success we have had to make two subsequent batches. I am hoping there are still a few pale creme flowers left this weekend to make my final batch for 2009. If you spot any elder flowers still in bloom you can follow this simple recipe to make you own delicious summer treat:

You will need:
30 Crowns of Elder flowers
2 Lemons
1kg Caster Sugar
100g Citric Acid (most large chemists stock this)
2 Ltrs Water

What to do:
Add the water and sugar into a large pan and bring to the boil. Stir regularly until the sugar has dissolved then turn off the heat.

In to a large mixing bowl separate the smaller elder flower crowns from each other removing as much of the stalk as possible, have a check for any creepy crawlies but do not wash as you will wash away the pollen that is responsible for the wonderful fragrant flavour of the cordial. Using a potato peeler remove the rind from the lemons and add to the elder flowers. Slice the peeled lemons into discs and place in the bowl.

Using a ladle spoon the sugar and water mixture over the flowers and lemon. Add the citric acid and stir until dissolved. Cover the bowl with a large plate or tea towel and leave for two to three days stirring once or twice a day.

Next strain the mixture through muslin or a tea towel and funnel into bottles.

These bottles can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks or in the freezer longer...

Ways to drink it:
This cordial is delicous with still or sparkling water. I like mine with lots of ice, a slice or lemon and a couple of sprigs of mint.

For specail occassions try it with champangne or prossecco.

For a Trevelgue Collins:
Add 50ml Plymouth Gin to a glass of ice. Squeeze the juice of an eighth of a lemon over the top. Add 25ml of your very own elderflower cordial and top with sparkling water. Stir and garnish with a sprig of mint. A perfect treat for a summer's evening.