Homegrown drinks & remedies

In her new book, The Modern Gardener, Frances Tophill shows you how to transform herbs and flowers into delicious drinks and natural remedies

- Frances Tophill

Refreshing summer quenchers

Elderflower cordial

Elderflower cordial is a drink that I absolutely relish on a hot, sunny day. It does contain some sugar in order to preserve it successfully, but you can reduce the quantities for a sharper flavour, which I love.

Makes 1 litre

1 Place the elderflowers and lemon in a large bowl and pour over the boiling water. Cover and leave at room temperature overnight or in the fridge for a few days.

2 Strain through muslin into a large pan and discard the lemon and flowers.

3 Add the sugar and slowly bring to the boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

4 Taste the liquid and add citric acid until you are happy with the flavour. I like it quite sour.

5 Pour the liquid into sterilised bottles and store in a cool, dark place. It can keep for months or even a year or two, but look out for mould if you've had it for some time. If you spot mould, don't drink it.

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