Nothing beats a refreshing glass of homemade elderflower cordial

Spring is well and truly here, so keep an eye out for elderflower in the hedgerows on footpaths and bridleways.

Best picked on a sunny morning, when the flowers are dry, this a perfect recipe for a novice forager...

TOP TIP - Instead of keeping the cordial in the fridge, pour it into an ice cube tray and defrost and dilute as needed.

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You will need:

30 elderflower heads 

1.7litres/3 pints boiling water 

900g/2lb caster sugar

50g/2oz citric acid (available from chemists) 

2 unwaxed oranges, sliced

3 unwaxed lemons, sliced

What to do:

1. Gently rinse over the elderflowers to remove any dirt or little creatures.

2. Pour the boiling water over the sugar in a very large mixing bowl.

3. Stir well and leave to cool.

4. Add the citric acid, the orange and lemon slices, and then the flowers.

5. Leave in a cool place for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.

6. Strain through some muslin and transfer to sterilised bottles.

Store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks