Elderflower Cordial: A Recipe from the Wild + Wise Kitchen

Every late spring, just as the days stretch longer and the air thickens with warmth, the elder trees offer their blossoms—clouds of creamy white flowers with a scent that stops you in your tracks. This cordial captures that fleeting magic in a bottle (or, in our case, the freezer), preserving the season’s sparkle for months to come.

Fragrant, floral, and just a little wild, elderflower cordial is lovely stirred into sparkling water, splashed over fresh fruit or cakes, or shaken into cocktails. If you believe in the enchantment of edible flowers, this is your potion.

🌿 Ingredients

• 20 large elderflower heads (double if they’re on the smaller side)
  
  

• 2 lemons, sliced into rounds
  
  

• Heaping 1 Tbsp citric acid
  
  

• 2 ½ quarts water
  
  

• 5 cups (1 kg) sugar
  
  

Instructions

1. Let the blooms breathe.
   Lay your elderflower heads out on a table or towel for a couple of hours to let any tiny critters wander off on their own. No need to rinse—those golden flecks of pollen hold the flavor and fragrance we’re after. You’ll also want to trim flowers off of the larger stems. Little stems are ok but the larger ones may contribute a bitterness to your cordial.
   

2. Pour the magic.
   Boil your water. In a large heatproof bowl or non-reactive pot, combine elderflowers, lemon slices, citric acid, and the hot water. Cover, and let steep at room temperature for at least 4 hours or overnight for a deeper infusion.
   

3. Strain with intention.
   Line a sieve or colander with cheesecloth or muslin, and strain the liquid into a fresh pot or bowl. Gently squeeze to capture every last drop of floral essence.
   

4. Boil briefly.
   Transfer the infusion to a large pot and bring to a rolling boil for 1–2 minutes.
   

5. Add sweetness.
   Lower the heat and stir in the sugar. Keep stirring until it dissolves completely. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
   

6. Store the sunshine.
   Let cool, then pour into clean glass jars or containers. Keep a jar in the fridge to enjoy over the next couple of weeks, and freeze the rest in glass jars or freezer-safe silicone molds for an out-of-season treat. (Leave space at the top, liquid expands as it freezes!)
   

To Serve

Dilute 1 part cordial with 5 to 10 parts still or sparkling water. It’s also lovely with iced tea, gin cocktails, lemonade, or drizzled over berries. Add a lemon twist or sprig of mint for extra brightness.