Elderflower Cordial

Homemade elderflower cordial is not difficult to make and this Elderflower and Rose is so much better than anything you can buy. You can serve with sparkling water for a refreshing drink or why not add some fizz, I recommend Prosecco, for a delicious cocktail.  It also makes a great homemade gift

Makes 3 litres
Preparation Time 25 Minutes
Cooking Time - 3o minutes
Ingredients

• 60 pure-white elderflower heads - Use only the pure-white Elderflowers as the brown ones will spoil the flavour.
• 2 tsp. rose water
• 4 kg. caster sugar
• 2 litres water
• Rind and juice of 4 lemons
• 150g citric acid

1. Give the flowers a good shake to ensure there are no insects hiding among the petal and rinse lightly in cold water.  Trim the steams and remove any leaves.

2.  In a large pan, heat the sugar and water, stirring until all the sugar has dissolved completely.  Bring to the boil and then remove from the heat.  Allow to cool a little, then add the flowers, rose water, lemon rind, lemon juice and citric acid.  Stir well, and cover.  Leave for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.

3.  Strain the syrup through a muslin or old cotton tea towel (needs to be clean!) placed in a colander, ensuring that none of the bits get through.  Decant into sterilised bottles and seal.

4.  Keep in the fridge for 6 weeks.

Tips
Citric acid is available from local chemists, brewing and winemaking shops.