Wednesday 15 July 2015

Elderflower Cordial

The elder trees were late flowering this year but they produced a mighty fine crop of flowers when they did eventually bloom. Elderflower cordial is one of my most favourite drinks so I always like to make some each summer. The flowers were so good and so plentiful that I made four batches of the cordial. I used the same method as last year, bottling some in sterilised glass bottles and freezing most of it in plastic bottles.


We've finished a bottle of the cordial already. It was delicious.



Here are the pink flowers soaking. Our black elder has grown a lot since last year so there were more flowers to use.


Doesn't it look gorgeous? I'm always amazed at the beautiful colour; it's so deep even though the flowers are quite a delicate pink.


As usual, I plan to keep the pink cordial for Christmas. However, since there's more than usual, I just might treat myself before that.

Your comments on the crocheted bag in my last post were very kind and encouraging. Thank you very much. I always enjoy reading your comments and really appreciate them.

Bye for now and all the best.

20 comments:

  1. Hello Gillian,
    That looks good. Very nice that you've made these drinks.
    That must be delicious and it will be pretty healthy. Cheers!!

    Many greetings,
    Marco

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  2. The elder flowers were really late this year, I love that deep pink colour too. Do you mix it with prosecco at Christmas or maybe add it to gin? Hx

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  3. I love elderflower cordial too, have never made any but would like to, I have no trees close to me and haven't had the time to go looking, I'm thinking it may be too late for this year. I would never have thought of freezing it what a good idea. :)

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  4. I've never tried making elder cordial, however in a damp autumn we always search out the elder trees because a certain edible fungus grows on the elder known as jelly ear. We pick this and it can be gently fried (be careful it will spit due to the moisture in it) or added to a stew or casserole. It is an unusual and possibly an acquired taste. Your elderflower cordial looks delicious! Barbara xx

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    Replies
    1. I must have a look at the trees in the autumn and see if I can spot any jelly ear. Haven't heard of it before.

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    2. It looks and feels just like an ear. There is a very non-politically correct alternative name but I won't write it here, I don't wish to offend anyone! They are quite fleshy and pinkish brown when fresh and turn brown as they age. The older ones are not suitable for eating. Barbara xx

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    3. Thanks! I can "google" it and see if there are any pictures.

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  5. hi gillian,
    your pink cordial looks wonderful.this year i have not made elderflower cordial....i wait of the berries. i will made jam and likör with the berries.
    have a nice week,
    regina

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  6. Your elderflower cordial looks so delicious, Gillian! I love the beautiful pink colour.
    Helen xox

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  7. Elderflower cordial is my all time favourite cordial. I never tried pink cordial but it looks really lovely. x

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  8. Elderflower cordial....sounds quite exotic and looks very pretty. I'm not even quite sure what cordial is....alcoholic?

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    Replies
    1. Cordial is basically a flavoured syrup that you dilute with water. It's non-alcoholic.

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  9. I missed the Elderberry flower season this year even though I intended to make elderberry gin again. Oh well, I will pick some ripe elderberry flowers later this year.

    Enjoy the cordial :)

    Take care
    Anne
    Crochet Between Worlds

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  10. I am sure that both will be delicious, but you are right the pink one really does look fab doesn't it! xx

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  11. It looks so pretty I'd almost hate to drink it. Love your bag from your last post.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  12. This is impressive stuff, Gillian, and looks delicious.
    Amalia
    xo

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  13. How clever of you to make your own cordial. The oink ones look really pretty xx

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  14. Sorry to be so late with my comment, Gillian - catching up with things now!
    You have taught me something new. I have no idea what elder flowers look like and have never heard of elder cordial. Is this the same plant that Elton John sang about in the song "Elderberry Wine"? I never knew what that was either!
    Thank you for sharing your cordial recipe.

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    Replies
    1. The elder tree produces flowers in early summer. They are really flower heads made up of lots of tiny flowers. These are steeped in a sugar solution with citrus fruit to make elderflower cordial. If you leave the flowers on the tree then by late summer or early autumn the tiny flowers are replaced with tiny berries - so a cluster of berries where there used to be a flower head. The berries can be used to make elderberry wine or jam or jelly. As yet, I have only ever used the flowers.

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