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Cordials and Syrups

Published: Jul 13, 2021 · Modified: Jul 23, 2021 by Kristen · Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

How to Make Elderflower Cordial

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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.

a glass sun bottle with a sun design is filled with elderflower cordial and lit by the sun for a glowing effect
Jump to:
  • What is a Cordial?
  • Where to Find Fresh Elderflowers
  • How-to Make
  • How to Use Elderflower Cordial
  • Storing
  • Ingredient Substitutions
  • More Delicious Plant Powered Drink Recipes
  • Elderflower Cordial
  • 💬 Comments

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.

a fresh elderflower head rests on a dark wooden table
A fresh elderflower head

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.

lemon slices and elderflowers float atop a cordial in the making

How-to Make

  • Step 1: Combine ingredients.
  • Step 2: Cover and let sit.
  • Step 3: Strain.
  • Step 4: Store.
  • Step 5: Enjoy!

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!

a glass sun bottle of elderflower cordial seems to glow from within leaving a magical site of yellow golden liquid

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!

fresh elderflower heads surround a glass sun bottle filled with golden syrup elder flower cordial recipe

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

a bottle of elderflower cordial glowing bright yellow from the light of the sun
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
« How to Make Calendula Tea
Elderflower Fizz Mocktail »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle says

    August 03, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    5 stars
    Such an easy recipe to make; I substituted with granulated sugar since I didn't have honey on hand and it turned out great!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      August 03, 2021 at 3:42 pm

      I'm so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sharon says

    August 03, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    5 stars
    What a unique way to use elderflower for a drink! I love the idea of using flowers in cooking.

    Reply
  3. Cathleen says

    August 03, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    5 stars
    This is one of the most beautiful recipes I have seen all day! Bookmarked to make this weekend, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      August 04, 2021 at 9:17 am

      That means a ton! Thank you! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Andrea says

    August 03, 2021 at 8:06 pm

    5 stars
    Learned something, cordial does not mean alcohol and how easy it is to make. Can't wait to try this and make some Popsicles with it.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      August 04, 2021 at 9:17 am

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Mairead says

    October 03, 2021 at 2:48 pm

    5 stars
    Elderflower cordial is extremely popular in Ireland. Thanks for a great recipe. I love to make elderberry cordial also.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      October 03, 2021 at 6:05 pm

      Very neat! Thank you so much! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    October 03, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    5 stars
    I love elderflower cordial but never thought of making my own. Thanks for the recipe and inspiration.

    Reply
  7. Tara says

    October 03, 2021 at 4:18 pm

    5 stars
    This elderflower cordial looks amazing! I love how easily it comes together and such wonderful flavors. Yum!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      October 03, 2021 at 6:05 pm

      Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  8. Diana Reis says

    October 03, 2021 at 5:19 pm

    5 stars
    So yummy, and so nice to have something a bit different.

    Reply
  9. AISilva says

    October 03, 2021 at 6:12 pm

    5 stars
    I've never made cordial before, but this elderflower cordial recipe looks so good, I can't wait to try it. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      October 03, 2021 at 6:42 pm

      Thank you!!

      Reply

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Welcome! As a lifetime nature lover and pursuer of herbal wisdom, I wanted to create a place to share plant-powered DIY, guides, recipes, tutorials, plant profiles and more to inspire others to take creative charge of their lives and feel more confident in growing more self-sufficient and creating all that they need to take care of their own health, and that of their family's. Make a cup of tea, pull up a seat and enjoy!

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