This elderflower syrup can be used to make a refreshing elderflower cordial by adding it to sparkling water. It would also be an excellent addition to cocktails. But, that's not all, you can drizzle it over ice cream and use it to sweeten desserts. The possibilities are endless!
I have been meaning to make elderflower cordial for years now. What has stopped me is finding these elusive flowers! I can never venture into the mountains at the right time to pick them. I'm either too early or too late.
Last year, I planted an elderberry bush so that I don't have to deal with this issue ever again. I noticed most recipes call for around 30 elderflower clusters, but my small elder tree only had around 15 clusters, so I used 10 of them to make a small batch of elderflower syrup.
If you are lucky enough to have access to more elderberry bushes, you can make a larger batch. Then try elderberry syrup and one of my favorite wines ever, elderberry wine!
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Elderflowers: You can use fresh elderflowers or dried elderflower blossoms to make this recipe. However, when possible, choose freshly picked elderflowers.
- Lemon: Half of a small lemon plus a couple of orange slices. I used dehydrated orange slices, but fresh can also be used. Use less if you don't want the lemon flavor to outshine the flavor of the elderflowers.
- Optional: Sometimes citric acid is added to lengthen the shelf-life of the syrup, but I didn't find it necessary since this is a small batch recipe.
°See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Elderflower Syrup
- In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water, sliced lemon, and orange slices (optional) to a gentle boil. Simmer over low to medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until syrupy.
- Meanwhile, pick 10 elderflower heads, being careful not to lose any of the tiny flowers. Pluck flowers off of stems and add to a pint-sized sterilized mason jar.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that elderberry stems and leaves are toxic. You only want to use the flowers, leaving most of the stems behind. It's ok if a small amount makes it into the syrup.
- Pour hot syrup into the jar, covering the elderflowers. Bring to room temperature, then refrigerate, shaking a few times a day to mix. Allow this mixture to infuse for a couple of days.
- When you're satisfied with the flavor and scent of the syrup, strain through muslin cloth or a fine mesh sieve into an 8-ounce flip-top bottle. Store in the fridge.
How to Make Elderflower Cordial
Making elderflower cordial from elderflower syrup couldn't be easier! Just mix a few tablespoons of elderflower syrup with seltzer water and serve over ice.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile syrup can be used to make elderflower lemonade or added to your favorite cocktail. Add a little to your favorite champagne to make elderflower champagne. The syrup can also be drizzled over ice cream, an apple dutch baby, or pancakes, or used to make this elderflower vinaigrette! Finally, use your elderflower syrup to glaze meat and veggies before grilling.
Disclaimer
Foraging wild plants, including elderflowers, should always be done with caution and proper identification. Some parts of the elder plant, particularly the leaves, stems, and unripe berries, can be toxic if consumed. Always consult an expert or a reliable field guide before consuming any wild plant. I prefer Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies. I am not a licensed botanist, herbalist, or medical professional, and I cannot be held responsible for any adverse reactions or outcomes resulting from foraging or consuming elderflowers. Forage responsibly, know your local laws, and respect nature!
How to Identify Elderflowers
Elderberry bushes are not too hard to identify, once you know what to look for. They grow in mountainous regions of North America and Europe. Foragers can look for them in late spring/early summer. But, keep in mind, the higher you go in elevation, the later you will find them.
When picking elderflowers, choose black elder (Sambucus nigra) or blue elder (Sambucus cerulea). Once you find black or blue elderberries, you can come back to the same spot each year to pick elderflowers in late spring and elderberries in late summer.
Red and black elderberries have pyramid-shaped flower clusters, while blue elderberry has flat-topped clusters. The delicate flowers are cream-colored.
The leaves of elder plants are pinnately divided into 5-9 sharply toothed leaflets about 2-6" long (Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Rockies).
There is mixed information regarding the edibility of red elderberries (Sambucus racemosa), which are said to be more toxic than the other varieties. I err on the side of caution and don't consume the red berries or their flowers.
Other Elderberry Lookalikes
When picking elderflowers, pay attention to the small details like the shape of the leaves and flower clusters, as well as their color. When in doubt, plant your own elderberry bush or buy dried elderberries and elderflowers.
FAQ
Yes, both freshly picked elderflowers and dried elderflowers can be used to make elderflower syrup and cordial, however, freshly picked blossoms are best if you can find them.
Infused elderflowers have a light and delicate floral taste with a subtly sweet flavor reminiscent of honeysuckle or pear.
Elderflower syrup is made with elderflower blossoms before they mature into elderberries. This syrup is light and floral. Elderberry syrup, on the other hand, is prepared with elderberries. It's red in color and used for its medicinal qualities and to build up the immunity.
Not really, but people seem to use the terms interchangeably. Elderberry syrup is prepared with elderflowers infused in syrup, while elderflower cordial is prepared with a few tablespoons of elderberry syrup mixed into a sparkling beverage or water.
Pro Tips
- When foraging, I highly recommend having some photos on your phone for reference. If you have cell reception, a plant-identifying app like Picture This can also be helpful.
- I didn't rinse the elderflowers because they were clean, but if yours look dusty, you can give them a quick rinse. Keep an eye out for insects, too!
- Don't discard the simmered citrus slices; add them to hot or iced tea or lemonade.
- Keep the syrup cool by storing it in the fridge, otherwise, it can ferment.
- When stored in the refrigerator, this syrup lasts up to 3 months.
More Foraging Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Elderflower Syrup And Cordial
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 small lemon
- 2 tangerine slices
- 10 elderflower clusters
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, bring sugar, water, sliced lemon, and orange slices (optional) to a gentle boil. Simmer over low to medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until syrupy.
- Meanwhile, pick 10 elderflower heads, being careful not to lose any of the tiny flowers. Pluck flowers off of stems and add to a pint-sized sterilized mason jar.
- Pour hot syrup into the jar, covering the elderflowers. Bring to room temperature, then refrigerate, shaking a few times a day to mix. Allow this mixture to infuse for a couple of days.
- When you're satisfied with the flavor and scent of the elderflower syrup, strain through muslin cloth or a fine mesh sieve into an 8-ounce flip-top bottle. Store in the fridge.
How to Make Elderberry Cordial
- Making elderflower cordial from elderflower syrup couldn't be easier! Just mix a few tablespoons of elderflower syrup with seltzer water and serve over ice.
Notes
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- I didn't rinse the elderflowers because they were clean, but if yours look dusty, you can give them a quick rinse. Keep an eye out for insects, too!
- Keep in mind that elderberry stems and leaves are toxic. You only want to use the flowers, leaving most of the stems behind. It's ok if a small amount makes it into the syrup.
- Don't discard the simmered lemon slices; add them to hot or iced tea or lemonade.
- Keep the syrup cool by storing it in the fridge, otherwise, it can ferment.
- When stored in the refrigerator, elderflower syrup lasts up to 3 months.
- If you don't want the citrus flavor to be overpowering, simply remove the citrus once the syrup has cooled off.
- When foraging, I highly recommend having some photos on your phone for reference. If you have cell reception, a plant-identifying app like Picture This can also be helpful.
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Hilda Sterner says
I hope you enjoy this elderflower syrup as much as I do!
Joanne says
Thank you for sharing this recipe
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, enjoy!