Elderflower cordial

At Windmill Lodges we all love a glass of something sparkling, and when the Elder is in flower there is nothing better than homemade elderflower cordial to add to your fizz. 

Making elderflower cordial couldn’t be simpler and could easily be made during your log cabin short break, you can then sit back and relax in your hot tub enjoying the fruits of your labour.

The kitchens in our self catering lodges in Suffolk our fully equipped with everything you need, from bowls through to scales, enabling you to prepare your elderflower cordial as well as all your meals for your stay, and with the dishwasher there’s no washing up after! If you are staying with us in May or June why not try our simple recipe.

SIMPLE RECIPE FOR ELDERFLOWER CORDIAL:                   

Equipment required:

Large bowl, Measuring Jug, Knife,

Kitchen Scales, Wooden Spoon, Sieve,

Clean Tea Towel, Clean J Cloth

Glass or plastic bottles – Kilner glass bottles can be found in The Co-Op Supermarket in Framlingham

All of the above items excl the glass or plastic bottle you will find in the kitchen cupboards of your lodge.

Ingredients and where to source:

Makes approx 750ml of cordial

10 heads of elderflower – these can be foraged from around the site or further afield, we have a beautiful elder next to the entrance sign. To find our more about identifying elder and foraging please visit The Woodland Trust

900g of granulated sugar – out nearest Supermarket is The Co-Op in Framlingham

1 unwaxed lemon – if unavailable in the Co-Op try Leo’s Deli on the Market Hill in Framlingham

37g citric acid – this can be found in The Pharmacy in Framlingham

600ml water

Method:

Shake the heads of the elderflowers and place in a large bowl

Place the sugar into a saucepan with the  water and bring up to the boil. Ensure you stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Whilst the sugar syrup is heating, pare the zest from the lemon in wide strips, now slice the lemon discarding the ends. Put the zest and lemon slices into the bowl with the elderflowers.

When the sugar syrup has reached boiling point pour this over the elderflowers and lemon. Stir in the citric acid. Cover with a clean tea towel and leave at room temperature for 24 hours.

After 24 hours strain the cordial through a sieve lined with the new j-cloth rinsed out in boiling water, pour into thoroughly cleaned glass or plastic bottles. Your cordial is now ready for use.

My family look forward to the Elder season and all enjoy helping me forage for the flowers.

Whilst my  favourite way to enjoy Elderflower Cordial is diluted with Adnams Processo, the children enjoy drinking it diluted to taste with fizzy water served over ice and a slice of lemon, and better still served with slice of cake!