July is the best time to pick sweet-smelling elderflower blossoms, and this easy-to-make elderflower cordial recipe makes perfect summery cocktails or a homemade present.

Lazy summer days were made for foraging walks. If you come across an elderflower bush, pick a basketful of the flowers and take them home to make this easy-peasy cordial. It’s delicious served chilled and diluted with water (or add gin for a delicious cocktail).

Elderflower Cordial Recipe

Ingredients
20 elderflower heads with stems and leaves removed
2 kilos sugar
2 lemons, juiced
2tsp citric acid
1.5 litres boiling water

Method

Put all the ingredients into a clean pan and pour over boiling water. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then skim off the surface. Cover the pot with a muslin cloth and leave to cool. Stir daily for five days, then strain through the muslin and bottle. Use within two weeks.

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