Homemade Elderflower Syrup (Elderflower Cordial)
Jump to VideoA fragrant, floral syrup made from fresh elderflowers, lemons, sugar, and citric acid. Steeped for 24 hours and gently warmed to preserve its delicate flavor, this syrup is perfect for summer drinks, cocktails, or drizzled over desserts. Easy to make and ideal for storing in bottles, it’s a refreshing pantry staple that captures the taste of early summer.
PIN THIS RECIPE!
Ingredients
- 30 - 40 large elderflower heads
- 3 liters water cold
- 2 - 3 lemons, organic, sliced into rounds, or use zest and juice
- 2 kg granulated sugar
- 50 grams citric acid
Instructions
- Pick elderflowers on a dry, sunny day when the blooms are fully open and fragrant. Don’t rinse them—just give them a gentle shake to remove any insects.
- Place the elderflowers and sliced lemons in a large bowl or pot. Pour the cold water over them. Cover with a clean cloth and leave to steep in a cool place (like a cellar or fridge) for 24 hours.
- The next day, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to strain it. Press the flowers and lemons well to get out as much flavor as possible.
- Stir in the sugar and citric acid. Warm the liquid gently—just enough to fully dissolve the sugar. Don’t let it boil. Keep the temperature below 50°C (122°F) to keep the natural flavor and vitamin C intact.
- Pour the warm syrup into sterilized bottles (see below), seal them tightly, and let them cool completely before storing.
Video
Notes
- If you don’t have organic lemons, use regular ones and just juice them instead of using the zest and peel. You can also add a splash of lime juice for a brighter twist.
- You could swap granulated sugar for raw cane sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.
- If you don’t have citric acid, lemon juice can work in a pinch, but the syrup won’t last quite as long.
- You can add a few sprigs of fresh mint or a slice of fresh ginger during the steeping process for a flavor variation. Just remove them before bottling.
- You can make a smaller batch if you’re working with fewer blossoms or just want a small stash.
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!
Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 126g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.001g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 21mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 125g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.1mg
