Dorset Elderflower Cordial

There is something almost sacred about gathering elderflower on a warm afternoon, when the hedgerows hum with bees and the sun has coaxed every ounce of fragrance from the blossoms. Elderflower is best picked in the heat of the day, before rain or heavy dew has the chance to wash away its precious pollen that golden green dust that carries the flower’s delicate perfume.

As you gather the umbels, your fingertips become stained with the soft chartreuse pollen, a fleeting dusting of summer itself. It clings to your hands like sunlight, fragrant and wild. It is this pollen that gives elderflower cordial its unmistakable aroma floral, almost ethereal and so the process of picking becomes more than gathering ingredients. It becomes a quiet ritual of standing amongst the hedgerows, breathing in June, and carrying a little of that fleeting season home in a basket.

A simple way to elevate any picnic or gathering

Simple ingredients, masterful craftmanship….

Wildflowers, simple snacks and refined drinks, this is what summer is all about..

Live life for the moment and cherish the smaller gestures in life..

Whether added to a G&T or sprakling water and ice, this is your summer go to….

elderflower cordial, summer drinks, foraged recipes, wild food, wild drinks, foraged drinks, hugo spritz, aperitivo, mocktail, easy recipes

Author: Suze Morrison

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Dorset Elderflower Coridal

Prep time: 20 MinCook time: 15 MinInactive time: 20 HourTotal time: 20 H & 35 M

There is something almost sacred about gathering elderflower on a warm afternoon, when the hedgerows hum with bees and the sun has coaxed every ounce of fragrance from the blossoms. Elderflower is best picked in the heat of the day, before rain or heavy dew has the chance to wash away its precious pollen that golden green dust that carries the flower’s delicate perfume.

As you gather the umbels, your fingertips become stained with the soft chartreuse pollen, a fleeting dusting of summer itself. It clings to your hands like sunlight, fragrant and wild. It is this pollen that gives elderflower cordial its unmistakable aroma floral, almost ethereal and so the process of picking becomes more than gathering ingredients. It becomes a quiet ritual of standing amongst the hedgerows, breathing in June, and carrying a little of that fleeting season home in a basket.

Ingredients

• 2kg Caster Sugar
• 1.5l Cold Water
• 3 Lemons, zest paired
• 2 Limes, zest paired
• 85g Citric Acid
• 20-25 Elderflower Heads

Instructions

1. Gently shake the elderflower free of any bugs, be cautious not to shake too much pollen off the flower heads or was them, this will be the difference that sets your cordial apart.
2. Add the sugar and water to a large saucepan and heat over a low heat to dissolve the sugar. Once dissolved, add the lemon and lime zest, bring to a boil and boil for 3 minutes. Set aside
3. In a large bowl, add the elderflower heads along with the citric acid. Slice the lemons and limes into rounds and add them too.
4. Pour over the warm syrup and cover with a tea towel. Infuse for 24-36 hours at room temperature.
5. When ready, line a sieve with muslin and strain, do not squeeze the mixture.
6. Discard the solids and decant into bottles, seal and store in the fridge. This keeps for months.

https://gourmetglow.co.uk/recipes/dorset-elderflower-cordial

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