Elderflower liquids

Cordial

• 2.5kg granulated sugar
• 1.5 litres water
• 2 unwaxed lemons
• 20 large elderflower heads
• 85g citric acid

Gently heat the sugar and water in a large pan and stir till the sugar has dissolved.

Peel the zest from the lemons with a peeler and cut the lemon flesh into thick slices.

Tap the elderflower heads to knock off any critters; then with scissors, snip the flowers from the green stem trimming off as much as you can.

Bring the dissolved syrup to a boil and turn off the heat, then mix in the lemon pieces, elderflowers and citric acid.

Cover and leave to steep for 24 hours.

Strain through muslin into sterilised bottles.

This will keep for a few months in a cool place, but does have a tendency to ferment if warm. If you’re after that kind of thing, consider the recipe below.

Fizz

• 1kg granulated sugar
• 7 litres water
• 10 large elderflower heads
• 2 unwaxed lemons, sliced
• 2 tablespoons citric acid

Tap the elderflower heads to knock off any critters; then with scissors, snip the flowers from the green stem trimming off as much as you can.

Mix the water, sugar, elderflowers, lemons and citric acid in a large bucket and stir well so the sugar dissolves.

Cover the bucket with a clean towel and leave to steep for 24 hours.

Strain through muslin into sterilised bottles, leaving a little bit of room for the resultant CO2.

Leave for a couple of weeks before opening, it should be effervescent and should be kept in the fridge.