Elderflower Cordial and Elderflower ‘Champagne’

When the elder is in flower, you can preserve the aroma for months with a very simple recipe for elderflower cordial. And if you are feeling ambitious, you can amaze your friends with a non-alcoholic sparkling version. But don’t wait too long; the flowers quickly turn to berries. Then your only recourse is elderberry pie!

We usually make a double batch of the following recipe. It makes about 7 (wine) bottles. To use, pour a few teaspoons of the cordial in a glass with ice. Top with water, flat or fizzy. This cordial is also excellent as an ingredient in desserts and sorbets.

In a large bowl, pour the warm water over the other ingredients. Leave to macerate for 3 days. Do not cover or it will start to ferment.

Filter with cheese cloth or a fine sieve.
Bottle and cork.

Elderflower ‘Champagne’
It’s not alcoholic, but it sure is fizzy! And so refreshing on a hot summer day.

Boil the water. Pour over the sugar. When cool, add the elderflowers and sliced lemons. Add the white wine vinegar.
Let macerate for 24 hours. Strain and bottle. Use strong bottles, like champagne bottles. Cork well. Let stand at least a few days before trying it.

Elderflower Cordial

12 elderflowers
1 ½ liters (a little more than 1 ½ quarts) warm water
1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) sugar
3 lemons cut in thin slices
50 gr (1.75 oz) citric acid (available at a pharmacy)

Elderflower ‘Champagne’

7 elderflowers
1 gallon water
1 ¼ lb sugar
2 lemons cut into thin slices
2 tbsp white wine vinegar