How to Make Elderflower Cordial

A sweet, tart and floral Elderflower Cordial recipe bursting with fresh flavor. This cordial recipe is super easy to make and versatile in its uses.

What is a Cordial?

If you go on a search to learn more about cordials, you're likely to find yourself a bit confused about just what they are exactly. Some sources will consider them a syrup or liqueur, others—a water, soft drink or alcoholic beverage. So what is a cordial exactly? Traditionally, a cordial itself is a non-alcoholic syrup of sorts that is used to flavor both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alike. It is concentrated in flavor and versatile in its uses.

Where to Find Fresh Elderflowers

Here is an excellent article from my friend Colleen over on Grow Forage Cook Ferment all about identifying and foraging for elderflower.

Otherwise, sometimes you can find fresh elderflowers being sold at farmers markets and also online. One my favorite places to order fresh edible flowers from online is Gourmet Sweet Botanicals.

How-to Make

How to Use Elderflower Cordial

You can use elderflower cordial just as you would a flavored syrup. You can mix with sparkling water or liquor and serve over ice, you can drizzle it over pancakes or ice cream, you can make a salad vinaigrette by mixing it with olive oil or you can mix it with water or milk and then freeze in popsicles molds for a refreshing treat. The possibilities are endless!

Storing

You can pour the strained, cooled cordial into any lidded vessel of your choice and then keep it stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months (and possible longer). It is highly acidic, so it stores well. So long as the cordial doesn't have any off putting smells, it is likely just fine!

Ingredient Substitutions

Honey: If you are vegan or prefer a different sweetener, you can certainly use something different. Agave syrup, maple syrup, coconut sugar, cane sugar..it all works in this recipe.

Citric Acid: Use 3 tablespoons of vinegar of choice in place of the two tablespoons of citric acid, if need be.

More Delicious Plant Powered Drink Recipes

How-to Make Calendula Tea

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

5 from 12 votes

Elderflower Cordial

A sweet, tart and floral Elderflower Cordial recipe bursting with fresh flavor. This cordial recipe is super easy to make and versatile in its uses.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Resting Time: 4 hrs

Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: European

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 159kcal

Author: Kristen Wood

Equipment

• ▢
  Strainer
• ▢
  Honey
• ▢
  Citric Acid

Ingredients

• ▢ ½ cup honey we like to use raw, unfiltered
• ▢ 2 cups boiling water heat on stovetop or water kettle, etc.
• ▢ 1 fresh lemon sliced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons citric acid
• ▢ 10 medium fresh elderflowers heads make sure the stems aren't attached as they are toxic!

Instructions

• ▢
  In a large pot or mixing bowl add the honey and boiling water. Stir until the honey dissolves.
• ▢
  Add lemon, citric acid and elderflower heads. Give a good stir and then cover.
• ▢
  Let it sit for at least 4 hours (or up to 2 days).
• ▢
  Strain the cordial and let it cool to room temperature before storing in the fridge for up to two months.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg