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Home » Cordials and Syrups

Published: Jul 13, 2021 · Modified: Feb 1, 2023 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

Looking for a way to make best use of elderflower season? Look no further! This elderflower cordial (aka elderflower syrup) has the taste of summer in a bottle.

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 elderflower flower heads being sold at farmers markets and also online. One my favorite places to order fresh edible flowers from online is Gourmet Sweet Botanicals.

Be certain to check elderflower heads for bugs before using!

lemon slices and elderflowers float atop a cordial in the making

How-to Make

Step 1: Combine ingredients in a large saucepan.
Step 2: Cover and let sit.
Step 3: Strain using a mesh strainer or muslin cheesecloth.
Step 4: Store in glass bottles or jars.
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 for a refreshing beverage, or liquor for a fancy cocktail and serve over ice, you can drizzle it over pancakes or ice cream, bake with it in your favorite cake and muffin recipes, 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 or make a sorbet. 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

Juniper Tea

a bottle of elderflower cordial glowing bright yellow from the light of the sun
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5 from 101 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 slices, 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

More Cordials and Syrups

  • What To Do With Dried Lavender
  • How-to Make Elderberry Syrup

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
  10. Suja MD says

    June 26, 2022 at 9:21 pm

    5 stars
    I just love this and its was a big hit with everyone. And this was such a pleasing experience!

    Reply
  11. Ieva says

    June 27, 2022 at 12:24 am

    5 stars
    Amazing recipe! Love that it is refined sugar-free! My cordial is just cooling now, but I had a little lick of the spoon and it tastes amazing! Cannot wait to try it properly!

    Reply
  12. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    June 27, 2022 at 12:37 am

    5 stars
    One of my favourite drinks in the summer but I've never made it. Can't wait to make it myself.

    Reply
  13. Kate says

    June 27, 2022 at 2:37 am

    5 stars
    Just love using freshly picked elderflowers to make homemade cordial - this is a lovely recipe, just the right balance of sweetness. Thank you!

    Reply
  14. Sherry says

    July 14, 2022 at 8:31 pm

    5 stars
    What a great cordial recipe! I used fresh Michigan maple syrup and my elderflower cordial turned out amazing!! Thank you for a great recipe.

    Reply
  15. Sherrie says

    July 14, 2022 at 10:43 pm

    5 stars
    This is simply delightful! I'll be making this on repeat!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      September 27, 2022 at 3:46 pm

      Thank you so much! Very happy to hear. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Mandy Applegate says

    July 14, 2022 at 11:24 pm

    5 stars
    I'll never buy elderflower cordial again! I made a big batch and gave some away as gifts.

    Reply
  17. Rupali says

    July 15, 2022 at 1:33 am

    5 stars
    This was my first time making cordial. Such a beautiful drink, and a wholesome recipe! The house smells wonderful too!

    Reply
  18. Shelby says

    July 15, 2022 at 6:06 am

    5 stars
    My favorite way to use this is to drizzle it over fresh muffins, it adds such a yummy flavor!

    Reply
  19. Glenda says

    July 18, 2022 at 4:42 pm

    5 stars
    This was so much easier than I expected! Delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
  20. Randy says

    July 18, 2022 at 7:54 pm

    5 stars
    With your step by step instructions, making this elderflower cordial recipe was so easy. Thank you for a great recipe!

    Reply
  21. Kate says

    July 20, 2022 at 5:34 am

    I found fresh elderberry flower heads at my farmers' market and what a great way to use them. The last time I enjoyed a cordial like this I was in Ireland, and the sipping your cordial brought me back. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  22. Gen says

    July 20, 2022 at 7:41 am

    5 stars
    This was so lovely and easy to make! We plan to add it to a cocktail this weekend. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  23. Jennifer says

    July 20, 2022 at 8:33 am

    5 stars
    What and amazing recipe! I had no idea I could do this with elderlfowers and now everybody wants a bottle!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      September 27, 2022 at 3:45 pm

      Thanks so much! So happy to hear.

      Reply
  24. Sonal says

    January 20, 2023 at 6:59 am

    5 stars
    What a great recipe and such an informative article as well!

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      January 20, 2023 at 12:40 pm

      Thank you so much! 🙂

      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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