How to make Elderflower Burbles (or Elderflower Cordial in Human language.)

By Nigella Seed, food expert for The Wittering News.

Firstly you will need to gather about 20-25 perfect Elderflower heads in their prime. I like to go out early in the morning in my bare feet and flit from flower to flower but you may need help. Enlist others with a promise of Burbles as reward for their labours.

Ingredients

20-25 Elderflower Heads ( cut away main stalks)

2 litres of water

800 gms Castor Sugar

2 unwaxed Lemons for juice & zest

1 tsp citric acid ( optional)

Method

You must pick the Elderflower heads when they are at their best, not too soon, not too late. Give them a good shake to remove any insects. I always leave them on a luxury quilted paper towel for a short while to make sure everyone has had chance to escape! They will thank you for it.

Put the water & sugar into a large pan & bring to simmer.

Then stir in sugar. When dissolved remove from heat.

When it has cooled to a warm temperature you can add the elderflower heads, lemon juice & zest ( citric acid if using. ) perhaps add a tad more water to cover the flower heads.

Let it steep for 24 hours. Don't rush this bit.

Strain the liquid through a piece of muslin cloth into a bowl, then decant into sterilised bottles with tops or corks.

I find that for Fairies, Elderflower Burbles makes an equisite drink to enjoy on a long hot summers day when your wands are at melting point. How extra delicious to be able to say, airily, to your friends, "Oh, I made it myself!". Don't forget to dilute with water, also add a special garnish such as mint leaves, spirals of cucumber or as I do, Borage flowers frozen in ice cubes, just to impress the gang. Can be stored in a cool place unopened but once opened, do keep refrigerated.

From Nigellas new book 'Al Fresco Fairies'

Want to read more from The Wittering News? To receive the quarterly newsletter just sign up to our email list.

Read all about it!

©HoneysuckleHarebell www.honeysuckleharebell.co.uk 2026 All rights reserved