To create an elderflower cordial recipe, start by gathering 1 cup of fresh or dried elderflowers and 4 cups of water in a large saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the flowers have released their fragrance and flavor, about 10-15 minutes.
Next, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar and 2 cups of water in a separate saucepan and heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. This simple syrup will serve as the base for your cordial.
Once the elderflower mixture has cooled slightly, strain it into a large pitcher or container to remove the flowers. Discard the solids or save them for another use.
Now, slowly pour the simple syrup into the elderflower mixture and stir well. Let the mixture steep in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the cordial a good stir and add any desired citrus fruits, such as lemon or lime juice, to balance out the flavor. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to your taste by adding it directly to the pitcher before serving.