Elderflower Syrup
There’s something magical about making Elderflower Syrup that takes me back to my childhood. I remember the days spent wandering through the fields, the sweet scent of blooming elderflowers filling the air. This syrup captures that essence, allowing you to bring a touch of spring into your home all year round. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to nature and a delightful way to elevate your drinks and desserts. Whether drizzled over pancakes or mixed into cocktails, it brings an enchanting flavor that’s hard to resist.
Recipe Snapshot
14 mins
4 mins
10 mins
Medium
180 kcal
0 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
0 g
Food Processor, Frying Pan, Large Pot, Saucepan, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon
The Charm of This Elderflower Syrup
1. Captures the Essence of Spring
Making Elderflower Syrup is like bottling the spirit of spring. The delicate fragrance of the flowers fills your kitchen, reminding you of sunlit days and blooming gardens. It’s an experience that transforms an ordinary day into something special.
2. Versatile Culinary Uses
This syrup isn’t just for drinks; it’s incredibly versatile. Use it to sweeten your favorite desserts, drizzle it over yogurt, or incorporate it into salad dressings. The possibilities are endless, making it a must-have in any kitchen.
3. A Homemade Gift to Cherish
Imagine gifting a bottle of this homemade Elderflower Syrup to a friend or neighbor. It’s a thoughtful gesture that showcases your culinary skills and creativity. Plus, who wouldn’t appreciate a sweet taste of spring?
4. Health Benefits
Elderflowers have long been used for their medicinal properties. They’re believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making this syrup not just delicious but also a healthful addition to your pantry.
5. Simple and Rewarding Process
The process of making Elderflower Syrup is simple yet rewarding. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can create something truly special. It’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and connect with your cooking.
6. A Natural Sweetener
Using this syrup allows you to steer away from processed sugars in your recipes. It’s a natural way to add sweetness, bringing a unique flavor that refined sugars just can’t match.
Elderflower Syrup Ingredients
The ingredients in Elderflower Syrup are simple yet effective, showcasing the beauty of nature’s offerings. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor and preservation. The stars of the show are the fresh elderflowers, which provide a light, floral taste. Paired with organic lemons, granulated sugar, and filtered water, this syrup becomes a refreshing treat.
- 1 1/2 cups elderflowers (from 2-3 large sprays) – A key ingredient that imparts a beautiful floral flavor to the syrup. Make sure to use fresh, clean flowers.
- 1 organic lemon, sliced – Adds a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the syrup.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – This is the sweetener that helps to preserve the syrup and provides the necessary sweetness.
- 2 cups filtered water – A neutral base to dissolve the sugar and extract flavors from the elderflowers and lemons.
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid or 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Helps to enhance the flavor and prolong the shelf life of the syrup.
Cooking Instructions for Elderflower Syrup
Making Elderflower Syrup is a delightful process that brings the essence of spring into your kitchen. Follow these steps closely to ensure you capture all the flavors perfectly. Each step is important, so take your time and enjoy the journey!
- Start by rinsing the elderflowers. Shake them gently to remove any debris or bugs that might be hiding. Make sure to handle them delicately to preserve the flowers’ natural beauty.
- Trim the stems as close to the base of the florets as possible. While the stems are mildly toxic, a few won’t hurt, but removing them is important for the best flavor.
- Place the cleaned elderflowers in a bowl along with the sliced lemon. This allows the flavors to mingle beautifully.
- In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and filtered water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to simmer, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is crucial as it creates the sweet base for your syrup.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, stir in the citric acid or lemon juice. This will enhance the flavor and help preserve your syrup.
- Pour the warm syrup over the elderflowers and lemon in the bowl. Make sure everything is well submerged. Cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- After a few days, you’ll notice the elderflowers starting to brown and the syrup taking on a pale yellow hue. This is a sign that the flavors have infused beautifully. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar, discarding the leftover flowers.
- At this point, your syrup can be refrigerated in a jar or another airtight container for up to 1 month. If you want to preserve it longer, prepare a water bath canner.
- Wash and sterilize canning jars thoroughly. Heat the syrup in a saucepan until it comes to a boil, then pour it into the hot jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Process the jars in the boiling water for 10 minutes to seal properly.
- Once sealed, the syrup can keep for up to 1 year if stored correctly. Just remember to refrigerate after opening!
Things Worth Knowing
- Harvest time is important: For the best flavor, harvest elderflowers when they are in full bloom, usually in late spring.
- Storage is key: Store the syrup in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator.
- Use glass containers: Glass jars are ideal for storing syrup as they do not affect the taste.
- Watch the consistency: The syrup should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not too thick.
- Label and date: Always label your jars with the date to keep track of freshness.
How to Switch It Up
There are countless ways to personalize your Elderflower Syrup recipe, ensuring that each batch feels uniquely yours. Here are some tips to get started:
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding other herbs or fruits like mint or berries to infuse different flavors into your syrup.
- Use a different sweetener: While granulated sugar is common, you can try using honey or agave syrup for a different taste and health benefits.
- Infuse with spices: Consider adding spices like ginger or cardamom to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Mix with vinegar: Create a delicious shrub by mixing your syrup with vinegar for a refreshing drink.
- Make it carbonated: Add sparkling water for a refreshing spritz on a hot day.
- Try it in cocktails: Use Elderflower Syrup as a mixer in cocktails for a floral touch.
- Adjust the tartness: If you prefer a tarter syrup, increase the amount of lemon juice or citric acid to taste.
Best Served With
Elderflower Syrup is incredibly versatile, making it a delightful addition to a variety of dishes and occasions. Here are some wonderful ideas for serving it:- Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle it over your morning pancakes or waffles for a sweet, floral twist.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal: Stir it into yogurt or oatmeal for a refreshing breakfast.
- Salads: Use it in salad dressings to add a hint of sweetness and floral notes.
- Mocktails: Mix it with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
- Cocktails: Use it in cocktails like gin and tonics for a sophisticated touch.
- Seasonal Parties: Serve it at spring and summer gatherings to impress your guests with its unique flavor.
- Desserts: Incorporate it into desserts like ice cream or sorbet for a refreshing finish.
FAQ
Conclusion
The beauty of Elderflower Syrup lies not only in its enchanting flavor but also in the memories and experiences it brings along with it. Making this syrup is a wonderful way to connect with the bounty of nature and elevate your culinary creations. I encourage you to try it; you’ll be delighted by the result and may even find yourself making it a seasonal tradition.
Elderflower Syrup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse flowers, shaking them to remove any debris or bugs that might be hiding in them. Trim stems, getting as close to the base of the florets as possible.
- Place flowers in a bowl along with sliced lemon.
- In a saucepan, heat sugar and water together until simmering and sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in citric acid or lemon juice.
- Pour warm syrup over flowers. Cover and refrigerate for 3 to 5 days, until the flowers start to turn brown and the syrup takes on a pale yellow hue. Strain syrup through a fine mesh sieve, discarding leftover flowers.
- At this point the syrup can be refrigerated in a jar or other airtight container for up to 1 month.
- For longer preservation, prepare a water bath canner and wash and sterilize canning jars. Heat the syrup in a saucepan until boiling, then pour into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Process for 10 minutes.
- Properly sealed, the syrup will keep for up to 1 year (refrigerate after opening).
Notes
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark place for best quality.
- Freezing: Can you freeze this? It's best stored in the fridge, but sealed jars can be frozen for up to a year.
- Pairing: Serve it with pancakes or in cocktails for a refreshing twist.
- Variations: Try adding different herbs or citrus for unique flavors.
