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Dish of elderflower blossoms removed from the stems

Elderflower Cordial

Old World Preserves – Julie Kaiser
Learn how to make shelf-stable elderflower cordial using traditional water bath canning methods. This floral syrup captures the essence of summer and is perfect for drinks, desserts, or gifts.
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Course Drinks

Ingredients
  

  • 20 clusters Elderflower blossoms
  • 1 liter Water (about 4 cups)
  • 1 kg Sugar (about 5 cups)
  • 1 Lemon (organic or untreated, washed)
  • 2 tbsp Citric acid powder

Instructions
 

  • Harvest and prepare the flowers and gather your other ingredients.
    Pick the elderflower heads on a dry, sunny day when they’re most fragrant. Gently shake off insects and remove any browned blossoms. Avoid washing them, as that can rinse away the aroma.
    Elderflowers, lemons, sugar, citric acid for making elderflower cordial
  • Make the sugar syrup: In a large pot, bring the water, sugar, and citric acid to a boil. Turn off heat.
  • Place the elderflowers in the syrup along with the lemon slices. Stir gently to submerge everything.
    Elderflowers and lemon slices in a sugar syrup bath
  • Cover the container with a lid let the mixture steep in a cool place for 24–72 hours. Stir once or twice if you like.
  • Strain the cordial through a sieve, cheesecloth, or nut milk bag into a clean pot.
    Elderflowers and lemon slices in a wire mesh strainer
  • For a clearer cordial, strain again through a fine mesh sieve.
    Bright yellow solution of elderflower cordial after straining
  • Bring the strained cordial to a boil in a large pot.
    Boiling the elderflower cordial prior to putting into jars
  • Carefully ladle the hot cordial into clean, hot jars, leaving appropriate headspace. Wipe the rims clean, apply lids, seals, and clamps and close securely.
  • Process in water bath: Place the jars in the already hot water bath canner and heat to 90°C. Once the temperature is reached, start timing and process for 30 minutes at 90°C. Then turn off the heat and let the jars rest in the water for 5–10 minutes.
    Transferring weck jars of cordial to the canner for processing
  • Carefully remove the jars and place them on a towel or wooden surface. Let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours. After that time, remove the metal clamps and check the seals. Label the jars and store them in a cool, dark place.
    Jars of cordial sitting on a towel after processing
  • Serving suggestion: Dilute to taste with water or sparkling water, or use in cocktails, spritzers, and desserts.