Elderflower Cordial

Classic elderflower cordial with the subtle addition of honey.

Ingredients
• 15 heads of elderflower
• 500g caster sugar
• 4 tablespoons good quality runny honey
• 2 unwaxed lemons

Method
Pick around 15 heads of elderflower, white and unfolded. Be sure not to wash them but check for bugs. Cut the elderflowers, just above the flowers, removing most of the green stem.

Place the sugar and honey in a large saucepan and pour in 1l of water. Gently bring the liquid to the boil, until all the sugar has dissolved, then remove from the heat.

Finely grate in the zest of the lemons and add the elderflower upside down, making sure the flowers are completely submerged. Squeeze in the juice from one of the lemons, then slice the other and add to the pan too. Pop the lid on and leave to one side to infuse for 24 hours.

When you are ready to strain your cordial line a fine sieve with muslin over a large bowl (if you don’t have muslin you can use good quality kitchen towel) and pour through the cordial.

Store in sterilised bottles or jars and drink diluted with water, gin, prosecco, or whatever you like.