Cordials and Shrubs: Preserving Garden Flavours as Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Making Elderflower CordialElderflower cordial is one of the most extraordinary drinks that can be made from a garden plant — extraordinarily fragrant, floral, and complex. Collect elderflower heads (Sambucus nigra or Australian elder) in early summer when the flowers are freshly opened. Place 20 flower heads in a large bowl with the zest and juice of 4 lemons; pour over 1.5 litres of boiling water; add 1.5kg of sugar and stir until dissolved; add 50g of citric acid as a preservative. Steep for…