Gorse and Elderflower Cordial

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.

In a large saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium heat.

Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved, creating a simple syrup base.

Once the sugar has dissolved, add the elderflower heads and gorse flowers to the saucepan.

Stir gently to submerge the flowers in the syrup.

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, orange zest, and orange juice to the saucepan.

Stir to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to infuse.

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.

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.

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!