Gorse and Elderflower Cordial
This delightful cordial combines the sweet floral notes of elderflowers with the distinctive aroma of gorse flowers, resulting in a refreshing drink perfect for spring and summer. We foraged our gorse and elderflower locally from Bray Head!
Takes 20 minutes
Serves 20
Ingredients
- 20 elderflower heads
- 20 g (0.7oz) gorse flowers
- 1.5 litres (6.3 cups) water
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) caster sugar
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Zest and juice of 2 oranges
Instructions
Prepare the Flowers:
- Shake the elderflower heads to remove any insects and gently rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Ensure the gorse flowers are clean and free from insects. Rinse them briefly if needed.
Make the Cordial Base:
- In a large saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup base.
Add the Flowers:
- Once the sugar has dissolved, add the elderflower heads and gorse flowers to the saucepan.
- Stir gently to submerge the flowers in the syrup.
Infuse the Flavours:
- Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, orange zest, and orange juice to the saucepan.
- Stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Simmer and Steep:
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse.
Strain the Cordial:
- After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Strain the cordial through a fine-mesh sieve or muslin cloth into a clean jug or bowl.
Bottle and Store:
- Pour the strained cordial into sterilised glass bottles or jars.
- Seal the bottles tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Serve and Enjoy:
- To enjoy, dilute the cordial with still or sparkling water, adjusting the ratio to your preference.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of fresh elderflowers for an elegant touch.
- We ground some gorse flowers with some caster sugar for a beautiful yellow coating to coat the rim of our glasses.
- Sip and savour the floral flavours of your homemade gorse and elderflower cordial on a sunny afternoon!
