Cordial, in the European meaning of the word, is a sweet concentrated syrup that is diluted either with water or carbonated water. Elderflower cordial is simply that - an elderflower syrup that can be added to the drink of your choice for a sweet, fragrant treat unlike any other. It's not necessarily alcoholic, but can be added to alcoholic beverages.

Most elderflower cordial recipes call for fresh elderflowers and lemon or citric acid. This recipe puts a tropical twist on the original recipe, by switching out the lemon for lime. And with our own organic dried elderflowers, you can make this any time of year (rather than wait for June when the bushes flower).

If you can find organic limes, use them, as conventional citrus uses waxes and coatings that can interfere with the flavor of the zest.

Add elderflower cordial to a glass of ice and carbonated water, champagne for special occasions, or add it to hot water to make an elderflower lime tea. You can also use it as a base for other recipes, like elderflower bundt cake. Storing the cordial as diluted ice-cubes will allow you to add it to drinks for many months. 

Ingredients:

1.5 cup sugar

1.5 -2oz dried elderflowers (more elderflowers will give it a more fragrant quality)

4 tbsp. honey

2 limes (substitute with lemons if you can't find limes)

2 cups water

Directions:

1. Remove the green part of the skin of one lime with a fine grater to make zest. Squeeze the juice out of this same lime and set aside. Slice the other lime.
2. Add sugar, honey, zest from one lime, and water to a saucepan.
3. Heat until the sugar is dissolved
4. Remove from heat and add the elderflowers, lime juice from 1 lime, and lime slices from the other lime.
5. Let steep for 12-24 hours. Remove the lime slices.
6. Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one month OR
7. Add 3 cups of water and pour into ice cube trays; freeze, remove from trays and store in labelled plastic bags in the freezer.