Wild Elderflower Cordial

Wild elderflower cordial is a spring foraging classic, one of my first go-to recipes when the elderflowers start to appear in the hedgerows in May. But this cordial isn’t just for drinking with sparkling water; it’s endlessly versatile. You can use it to make cakes, ice cream, cocktails, and more. That said, it’s worth making at least a couple litres of the stuff to store for months to come. There are plenty of elderflower cordial recipes out there, but this is the one that I prefer, adapted from River Cottage’s “Pam the Jam”. The recipe includes both orange and lemon in the infusion, making for a complex cordial with layers of fresh flavour!
When to make elderflower cordial? 
Wild elderflowers are prolific from around late-may to mid-June. They are best when the buds are freshly open, picked on a dry day away from traffic fumes.
How long does wild elderflower cordial last? 
I use citric acid in my cordial to aid in preservation. With citric acid, the cordial will last for 3-4 months in the fridge. Without citric acid, it will last 3-4 weeks in the fridge. You can always freeze elderflower cordial in smaller plastic bottles for longer term storage.
You might also like my elderflower cordial cocktail recipe (mocktail suggestion included!).