15/06/2026
The hedgerows are full of elderflowers at the moment. Here are a couple of our favourite ways to use them.
Elderflower Cordial
Makes about 2 litres
Ingredients
25 elderflower heads
Juice and zest of three unwaxed lemons
1kg of sugar
1 heaped tsp of citric acid (optional)
Method
Check the elderflower heads and remove any dead flowers or insects.
Boil 1.5 litres of water and pour into a large bowl with the elderflowers and lemon zest. Leave to infuse overnight.
Strain through a fine sieve or piece of muslin and add to a pan with the sugar, lemon juice and citric acid if using.
Heat gently until the sugar is dissolved and allow to simmer for a few minutes.
Pour the syrup into sterilised bottles and seal.
A note on citric acid
Although it's not essential, we like to use citric acid in our cordial as it prolongs the shelf life and cuts through the sweetness. It's available in chemists and online.
Hugo Spritz
Makes one regular cocktail or several mini ones depending on the size of your glasses.
Ingredients
20ml gin
20ml elderflower cordial
60ml prosecco
60ml soda water
Mint leaves and lime to garnish
Method
Lightly bruise the mint and place it in a wine glass.
Fill the glass with ice.
Pour over the gin and elderflower cordial followed by the prosecco and soda water.
Gently stir and garnish with a mint leaf and lime wedge.
