Syrup

Traditional Elderflower Cordial

S tier

Traditional elderflower cordial is an infusion of fresh Sambucus flowers with lemon, sugar, and often citric acid: grapey-perfume, green, the taste of a British June hedge. It must be strained bright. A good batch smells of flower, not of cat or fermented grass. Dilute with still or sparkling water, or splash into a gin. Cooked elderflower cordial loses the lift—add it off the heat.