Apple + Elderflower Cordial

If you follow me over on Instagram or on Facebook you'll know that, a few weeks ago, I spent a slow and sunny Sunday morning picking elderflower heads in the garden. And if you watched my video, you'll have seen that I almost certainly got a bit burnt out there in the intense June sunshine! But it was all so worth it when I brought my basket indoors- the aroma that those flowers gave off was just divine. 

Ever since we moved down to Cornwall, I've wanted to make use of the elderflower growing wild in our garden- I just never seemed to be able to catch it in time before it wilted! This year, however, I'm so glad I dedicated a hot and sunny day to picking and brewing it into a yummy cordial. 

And of course, I had to share the results of my mixology experiments with you...

If you come across some elderflower growing wild (or if you're as lucky as I am to have it growing in bunches in your back garden) and you'd like to whip it into a sweet and floral cordial, here's a makeshift recipe I bundled together with what we had in the kitchen:

*15 heads of elderflower

*500g caster sugar

*4 tablespoons runny honey

*1 apple, cut into wedges

*3 oranges, zested and cut into wedges

1. Wash the elderflower heads well, picking off any bugs!

2. Place the sugar and honey in a large saucepan with 1 litre of water. Gently bring to the boil, until all the sugar has dissolved, then remove from the heat.

3. Grate in the zest of the oranges and add the elderflower upside down, making sure the flowers are completely submerged.

4. Squeeze in the juice from the oranges and then add both the orange and apple wedges. Pop the pan lid on and allow to infuse for at least 24 hours.

5. When you're ready to strain your cordial, line a fine sieve with muslin or a good-quality tea towel and place over a big bowl. Carefully pour your cordial through the sieve and leave to rest for a few minutes. 

6. Pour the strained cordial into a sterilised bottle (or several jars) and drink with water, soda or gin!  

It really is so rewarding to sit in the garden, sipping away at a jar of cordial made from ingredients growing all around you!

Plus, the great thing about this cordial is that you can mix and match it with all kinds of ingredients- lemonade, thyme, edible flowers, gin, prosecco, apple juice... whatever you fancy!

Have you ever made your own cordial? This was my first time brewing one together with homegrown ingredients and I think I've developed a slight obsession! Next on my list will be a fruity blackberry number come August, when I know the country lanes around us will be dotted with big and juicy berry bushes!

If you have any foraging tips, be sure to share them in the comments below!

In the meantime,
All the love,

Sian x