Elderflower syrup is a sweet and fragrant syrup that can be used to add flavor to a variety of drinks and desserts. This recipe is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients, including elderflower blossoms, sugar, and citric acid. The addition of lemon zest gives the syrup a bright, citrusy note, making it a refreshing addition to cocktails and sparkling water. Follow these easy steps to make your own elderflower syrup at home.
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❤️Why you will love this recipe
- Simple: Easy to make with just a few ingredients
- Versatile: Use it to sweeten and flavor cocktails, lemonade, or sparkling water
- Dessert-friendly: Great addition to desserts like ice cream, cake, and fruit salads
- Fragrant: The fragrant floral and delicate flavor pairs well with many other ingredients
- Homemade: Homemade syrup is free from unwanted additives and preservatives
Easily make your own sweet and fragrant elderflower syrup with this simple recipe. Use it to add a lovely touch to cocktails, desserts, and more. Homemade and free from unwanted additives, it's a versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations.
🥣Equipment
You don't need any special equipment to make elderflower syrup at home. Here are the basic tools you'll need:
- Large pot: A big pot is needed to hold the sugar syrup mixture and the elderflowers.
- Sieve: You'll need a sieve to separate the syrup from the elderflowers and lemon zest.
- Thin cloth: The best option is to use cheesecloth, which is a thin, mesh-like fabric that allows the syrup to pass through easily while keeping any solids, like the elderflowers, separate.
- Sterilized bottles: Sterilized bottles will keep your elderflower syrup fresh and safe to use.
- Zester: Use a zester to zest the lemon without getting the white pith, which is bitter.
With these simple tools, you'll be able to make elderflower syrup at home without any hassle.
📝The Ingredients
Elderflower syrup requires only a few simple ingredients that are easy to find. Here's what you'll need:
- Water: The base of the syrup is made with water and sugar.
- Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the syrup and helps preserve it.
- Citric acid: Citric acid provides a slightly tart flavor and helps to balance out the sweetness.
- Elderflower blossoms: These delicate flowers give the syrup its distinct and fragrant flavor.
- Lemon zest: Lemon zest adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the syrup without making it too sour.
The lemon zest will bring a nice, subtle lemon flavor into the syrup which will go very well with a cocktail. You can easily omit the lemon zest if you only want the elderflower flavor and no citrusy taste to it. You can also use lime zest instead of lemon zest. This version would be great for cocktails that use lime in them too.
👩🏻🍳How to make homemade elderflower syrup
Here is a quick overview of the recipe steps. Please read the recipe card for the full instructions.
- Make a sugar syrup by boiling water and sugar together, and adding citric acid.
- Add elderflowers and lemon zest to the syrup, and let steep for 24-48 hours.
- Strain the syrup through a cheesecloth or thin cloth to remove the elderflowers and lemon zest.
- Sterilize bottles, bring the syrup to a boil, and fill the bottles with hot syrup.
- Allow the syrup to cool and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Read the following post to learn about 3 different ways to sterilize your bottle: How to sterilize your jars
🍴Ways to use elderflower simple syrup:
Elderflower syrup is a versatile ingredient that can add a touch of sweetness and floral fragrance to a variety of recipes. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
- Mix a tablespoon or two of elderflower syrup with water or lemonade for a refreshing summer drink.
- Use the syrup to sweeten and flavor cocktails, such as a classic gin and tonic or a floral and fruity elderflower martini. This works with mocktails too.
- Drizzle the syrup over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Use the syrup as a sweetener in baking recipes, such as cakes, muffins, or scones.
- Stir the syrup into yogurt, oatmeal, or granola for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to experiment and discover new ways to enjoy your homemade elderflower syrup!
🥄Storage
Proper storage is important to keep your elderflower syrup fresh and delicious. Once your syrup is ready, pour it into sterilized bottles and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Once opened, store the syrup in the fridge and use it up within a few weeks to ensure maximum freshness.
Alternatively, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays for easy portioning and thawing. Once the syrup is frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw the desired amount in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind that the texture of the syrup may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor should remain the same.
💭Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make a smaller batch of syrup?
A: Yes, you can easily halve or quarter the recipe to make a smaller batch of syrup.
Q: Do I need to sterilize the bottles before filling them with the syrup?
A: Yes, sterilizing the bottles is important to prevent any bacteria or other microorganisms from contaminating the syrup. Without this step I can not guarantee its shelf-life
Q: Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon?
A: Yes, you can use other citrus fruits such as lime or orange, but keep in mind that they will affect the flavor of the syrup.
Q: How do I know when the syrup is ready to be strained?
A: Let the syrup steep for at least 24 hours, or up to 48 hours for a stronger flavor. The elderflowers will become fragrant and the syrup will take on a slightly golden color.
More recipes to try
📖 Recipe
Homemade Elderflower Syrup
Equipment
- Pots
- Bottles
- Thin cloth (ex: cheese cloth)
Ingredients
- 1 l water
- 1 kg sugar
- 20 g citric acid
- 10 elderflower blossoms
- 1 lemon only the zest
Instructions
Sugar syrup
- To a big pot add the water and sugar.
- On medium heat bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar has dissolved.
- Take the pot off the heat and add the citric acid and mix everything well.
Elderflower syrup
- Add the elderflower to the sugar syrup. Make sure they are completely covered with the sugar syrup mixture.
- Next zest a lemon. Make sure you only peel the yellow part. The white part is bitter and you do not want that flavor to soak into the syrup. Add the zest to the pot and also cover completely.
- Cover the pot with a towel and let it steep for 24-48 hours.
- Get a second pot ready and put a sieve on top. Lay a thin cloth into the sieve and pour the syrup trough it. This will separate the syrup from the elderflower. Squeeze all the liquid out of the cloth by wringing it out.
- Now sterilize your bottles and make sure they are hot!
- Bring the syrup to a boil.
- Once boiling fill the hot syrup into the hot bottles and instantly close them.
- Let the syrup cool and it is ready to use.
Notes
- Elderflower: Make sure you shake the elderflower before using it to remove any bugs still inside the. Don't wash them cause that will destroy the petals.
- Steep: You have to let the mixture steep for at least 24h. At 24h you will have a very subtle elderflower flavor. At 48h you will really taste the floral flavor of the elderflower itself.
- Lemon zest: You can easily omit the lemon zest if you only want the elderflower flavor and no citrusy taste to it. You can also use lime zest instead of lemon zest. This version would be great for cocktails that use lime in them too.
- Sterilize the bottles: I usually do that with our steamer. Check out my post where I explain 3 different ways on how you can sterilize your bottle: How to sterilize your jars - Oh Sweet Cultureshock
US Customary conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.
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Natalie says
What a wonderful syrup recipe! The smell and the taste are divine, thanks!
Kalin says
I love elderflower syrup that I've had in various cocktails but never made it myself. So glad I found this recipe! Never going back to store-bought
Giangi Townsend says
Quite intrigued as I never had Elderflower syrup and I look forward to making some.
Gina Abernathy says
Great recipe. I have often wondered about making this and now I know how. Thanks!
Emily Flint says
I am making this syrup ASAP and then making some delicious cocktails! What a great idea.
Katie says
This syrup is perfect! I've always loved elderflower, so it's wonderful to find a way to make it homemade!
nancy says
i love elderflower! it is so delicate and refreshing. I used this syrup for a dessert topping and it was lovely
Roma says
Looove elderflowers and their delicate floral essence. This is the perfect recipe to preserve them
Tressa says
This pictures of this make it look like a fairytale. Instantly had to try the recipe and the syrup is absolutely amazing
Fede says
Such a easy syrup recipe, I used it to make some cocktails for the weekend and they were so good. I highly recommend this recipe!
Lisa says
Made this yesterday to take to our beach house for cocktails this weekend. It tastes delicious even on its own! It will be fun to do some mixology with it this weekend.
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady says
I was so curious as to what elderflower tastes and it turned out to be amazing! Will be using this syrup a lot
Sean says
This recipe is great for cocktails and I love making it myself because I can control the intensity.