Sip The Essence Of Summer
As the days grow longer and flowers bloom across the UK, there’s a special ingredient that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer: elderflower. This delicate blossom is not only beautiful but also the essential component of a delightful homemade beverage – Elderflower Cordial. Today, we’ll delve into the history of this fragrant UK staple and explore the simple process of creating your own refreshing batch of this summer drink!
ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL
Description
As the days grow longer and flowers bloom across the UK, there’s a special ingredient that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer: elderflower. This delicate blossom is not only beautiful but also the essential component of a delightful homemade beverage – Elderflower Cordial.
Ingredients
20–30 large elderflower heads, ideally picked early in the morning when their fragrance is strongest
1.5 liters (6 1/3 cups) of cold water
1.5 kilograms of granulated sugar
4 unwaxed lemons, sliced
-50 grams (about 3 1/2 tablespoons) of citric acid (optional, but helps preserve the cordial and enhances the flavor)
Optional Ingredients
1–2 oranges, sliced (for a citrus twist)
A handful of fresh mint leaves (for a refreshing hint)
Instructions
Elderflower cordial is a beloved British drink, perfect for enjoying the essence of early summer. Here’s how you can make this delightful beverage at home:
1. Gather & Prepare Elderflowers
Pick the Elderflowers: Choose a dry, sunny day to pick around 20-30 large elderflower heads. Make sure to pick them early in the morning when their fragrance is strongest.
Inspect and Clean: Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove any insects. Do not wash them as this can remove the pollen which adds flavor. Instead, inspect them closely and trim off any excess stems.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
Lemons: Slice 4 unwaxed lemons. You can also add slices of 1-2 oranges for a citrus twist if desired.
Citric Acid: Measure out 50 grams (about 3 1/2 tablespoons) of citric acid. This is optional but helps preserve the cordial and enhances the flavor.
3. Make the sugar Syrup
Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 1.5 liters (6 1/3 cups) of cold water to a boil.
Dissolve Sugar: Add 1.5 kilograms (about 7 1/2 cups) of granulated sugar to the boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Ingredients
Add Elderflowers: Place the elderflower heads into the pot of hot sugar syrup.
Add Lemons and Citric Acid: Add the lemon slices and citric acid (if using) to the pot. If you’re adding oranges or mint leaves, now is the time to do so.
5. Infuse The Mixture
Cover and Steep: Cover the pot with a clean cloth and let the mixture steep for 24 hours at room temperature. This allows the flavors to fully infuse.
6. Strain The Cordial
Strain the Mixture: After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into a large bowl or jug. Make sure to press down on the flowers and fruit to extract all the liquid.
Bottle the Cordial: Using a funnel, pour the strained cordial into sterilized glass bottles. Seal tightly
7. Store & Enjoy
Storage: Store the bottles in a cool, dark place. The cordial should keep for several weeks. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze it in small batches.
Serve: To serve, dilute the elderflower cordial with still or sparkling water to taste. It’s also a wonderful addition to cocktails, desserts, and other recipes.
Enjoy your homemade elderflower cordial, a taste of the British countryside captured in a bottle. Cheers!
Notes
– These values are approximate and can vary based on the specific recipe and preparation methods.
– Elderflower cordial is a delightful and refreshing drink, perfect for any occasion!
Nutrition
- Calories: 75-90 kcal
- Sugar: 18-22g
- Sodium: 0-2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18-22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Health Benefits of Elder Cordial
Elderflower cordial offers numerous health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Supports the immune system
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes respiratory health
- Acts as a digestive aid
- Has a mild diuretic effect
- Benefits skin health
- Low in calories
- Made from natural ingredients
- Based on traditional health benefits
Nutritional Breakdown
– Elderflower cordial contains around 75-90 calories per 100 ml serving, mainly from sugar.
– It’s fat-free and has no saturated fats or cholesterol.
– The sodium content is very low, around 0-2 mg per serving.
– Each serving provides 18-22 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from sugars, and a small amount of vitamin C.
– The cordial is typically diluted with water or other beverages before drinking, which will affect the final nutritional values of the prepared drink.
From its fragrant origins in British hedgerows to its refreshing taste in a glass, Elderflower Cordial is a celebration of summer flavors and a taste of British tradition. With a batch of homemade Elderflower Cordial in your fridge, you can enjoy a delightful drink on a hot day, impress guests, or use it to create delicious cocktails and mocktails. Remember to dilute a serving of Elderflower Cordial with water to your taste preference. Start with a ratio of 1 part cordial to 4-5 parts water and adjust from there. Give Elderflower Cordial a try and capture the essence of summer in a bottle to enjoy a taste of the UK right at home!
