Cordials and Syrups

Elderflower Cordial Syrup

If you have always longed to capture and bottle summer up, this is how.  To sip a glass of this exquisite drink even in the dead of winter will instantly transport you back to walking on a warm summer's day, the air laden with the intoxicating scent of this beautiful lacy flower.

Makes about 1 litre

700g granulated sugar

1 1/2 dozen fine, freshly opened elderflowers (pick on a dry sunny day, do not wash)

1 unsprayed lemon

  Measure th sugar and grate the lemon zest into a saucepan.  Add 600ml cold water.  Heat slowly until sugar disolves and bring to the boil.  Gently shake flowers clean and add the blossoms to the pan, cutting off the stalks close to the creamy heads.  Push the florets down into the liquid and bring back to the boil.  Cover and set aside until cold.

 

  Squeeze the lemon juice and stir into the syrup.  Strain twice through a damp muslin-lined sieve and bottle.  Store in a cold larder or better still, in the fridge.

To make a Cordial:~

Simlpy pour a slug of elderflower syrup into a jug, stir in some freshly squeezed lemon juice and dilute with chilled water.  The ratio is a matter of personal taste.  Garnish with lemon slices and ice cubes.

Other uses:~

The syrup can be used to enhance many things; drizzle over ice-cream, use to flavour batters, milk puddings, mousses, custards or as a sauce in pies and crumbles.  It goes particularly well with gooseberries, complementing the sharp fruit beautifully.