Elderflower Cordial: A Homemade Recipe
Elderflower cordial has a sweet and aromatic floral flavor. So good added to sparkling water or even to dressings or desserts.
The elderflower blooms in late spring and brings a huge bounty when it does!
What is Cordial?
Cordial is a sweet, concentrated syrup made from fruit, flowers, or herbs. It’s typically diluted with water or another beverage to create a refreshing drink. Cordials can also be used as mixers in cocktails, as flavorings in desserts, or even in savory dishes for a hint of sweetness and aroma.

I remember cordial from Anne of Green Gables, if you remember Diana drank four tumblers of currant wine thinking it was raspberry cordial!
Here in the US, we would likely call it simple syrup. I have a recipe on here for Lavender simple syrup.
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Elderflower Cordial
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 strainer
Ingredients
- 30 heads Elderflowers 1.5 cups dried elderflowers if you don't have fresh
- 1 quart water
- 3 cups sugar
- 4 lemons juice from the lemons
Instructions
- Make the syrup. In a large pot bring the water to a boil, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Cook for a few minutes to thicken and become syrupy.
- Add the lemon juice and elderflowers. Rub the stems to get the flowers off. Turn off the heat. Stir to submerge the flowers. Cover the pot and let it steep for 24 hours.
- After the mixture has set for 24 hours, you can strain and bottle the cordial. This will keep for several weeks in the fridge. If you wish to make a large batch, you can also put the cordial in sterilized jars and water bath can it for longer storage.One more idea would be to freeze the cordial into ice cubes.Enjoy!
Benefits of Elderflowers
Elderflowers, the delicate white blossoms of the elderberry bush, have been cherished for centuries for their health benefits and delightful flavor. These blossoms are rich in antioxidants and bioflavonoids, which can help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Elderflowers are also known for their diuretic and antiviral properties, making them a popular natural remedy for colds and flu. Additionally, they have a mild, sweet, and floral taste that is perfect for making refreshing beverages.

We planted two elderberry bushes two years ago. They have grown like mad and are enormous! The other thing about planting elderberry bushes is the birds will help your population multiply as well. Since planting those two, we have noticed several other bushes popping up around our property!
If you are considering planting an elderberry bush, the nursery lady told me to plant two, of two different varieties for the best results. I would say she was right!
How to Use Elderflower Cordial
Elderflower cordial is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in many ways. Because it is thick like a syrup, you really don’t need much in a beverage. I usually go with a 1:3 ratio, 1 part cordial to 3 parts sparkling water. Of course, you can add more or less to suit your tastes.
Side note: We got this countertop ice maker and love the ice that it makes.
- Beverages: Mix with still or sparkling water for a refreshing drink. Add it to lemonade, iced tea, or cocktails for a nice twist. I personally love it mixed with sparkling mineral water. My daughter likes it mixed with sparkling water and pomegranate juice.
- Fermented Drinks: Add a splash into your kombucha or kefir water
- Desserts: Drizzle over cakes, ice cream, or fruit salads. Use it to flavor syrups, custards, or creams.
- Savory Dishes: Add a splash to salad dressings, marinades, or sauces for a hint of floral sweetness.
Homemade Elderflower Cordial Recipe
Here’s a simple and delightful recipe to make your own elderflower cordial at home:
Ingredients:
- 30 heads of elderflowers (ensure they are clean and free from insects but don’t rinse them). If you don’t have fresh you can use dried elderflowers
- 1 quart (4 cups) of water
- 3 cups of sugar ( I use organic evaporated cane juice, but use what you have)
- Juice of four lemons
- Lemon rinds



Instructions:
- Prepare the Elderflowers: Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove any insects. Do not wash them, as this can remove some of the delicate pollen, which adds flavor.
- Make the Syrup: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar and stir until it is completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Add Elderflowers and Lemon Juice: Once the syrup has cooled slightly, add the elderflowers and the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the rinds. I remove the flowers from the stems. I have read that the stems are not good for consumption so I just rub the flower stems between my fingers and only use the flowers. Stir gently to ensure the flowers are submerged.
- Steep the Mixture: Cover the pot and let the mixture steep for 24 hours. This allows the flavors to infuse into the syrup.
- Strain the Cordial: After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or jug. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the flowers to capture all the flavor.
- Bottle the Cordial: Pour the strained cordial into sterilized bottles or jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator. It should keep for several weeks. If you make a huge batch, you can water bath can the syrup as well for long-term keeping.

Enjoy Your Elderflower Cordial!
