How to Make Homemade Elderflower Cordial: Refreshing Summer Syrup Recipe from Britain’s Countryside

🌼 Learn how to make traditional homemade elderflower cordial with this easy British countryside recipe! Perfect for summer drinks, cocktails & desserts. Natural, fragrant & timeless. 🍋 #ElderflowerRecipe #BritishCordials

Why This is So Famous and in Which Country?

Elderflower cordial is a celebrated British summer tradition, enjoyed in the UK since the Roman era. Its delicate floral notes and citrusy zest make it a perfect base for lemonades, cocktails, mocktails, and desserts. Every spring, British families forage fresh elderflowers and prepare cordials that capture the fleeting floral bloom. Thanks to its natural, nostalgic, and seasonal appeal, elderflower cordial is now trending globally in wellness drinks and artisan recipes.

Famous in: United Kingdom 🇬🇧
Trending in: USA, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, India (premium wellness segment)

Easy Ingredient List for 4 People (Approx. 1L Yield)

15–20 fresh elderflower heads, cleaned

750 ml water

700 g caster sugar

1–2 lemons, sliced

1.5 tsp citric acid (optional for longer preservation)

Step-by-Step Recipe (Homemade Elderflower Cordial)

Step 1: Forage and Prep Elderflowers

Pick elderflowers during a sunny morning when their aroma is strongest. Gently shake to remove bugs. Avoid washing to retain natural oils. Remove thick stems.

Step 2: Make Sugar Syrup

In a saucepan, add water and sugar. Heat gently until sugar dissolves completely. Let it come to a light boil, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Infuse

Place elderflower heads and lemon slices in a large heatproof bowl. Pour hot sugar syrup over them. Add citric acid. Stir and cover with a lid or cloth.

Step 4: Steep Overnight

Leave the mixture to infuse for 24 hours in a cool dark place. Stir once or twice during this time.

Step 5: Strain and Bottle

Using muslin cloth or a fine sieve, strain the cordial into sterilised bottles or jars. Seal tightly and store in the fridge.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Mix 1 part cordial with 4–5 parts cold water or soda. Add ice and mint for a refreshing twist. Also great in gin cocktails, iced teas, or over fruit salads.

Nutritional Chart (Per 100ml Prepared Cordial)