Every year when the elderflowers begin to bloom, I know it is time to make a batch of homemade elderflower syrup. It is one of those simple seasonal recipes that I love coming back to, and the smell of fresh elderflowers and lemon always feels like the beginning of summer.
I like recipes like this because they do not need anything complicated. Just fresh flowers, lemons, sugar, water and a little patience while everything sits together. This recipe makes a generous batch, so there is enough to fill a few bottles and enjoy later too.
Homemade Elderflower Syrup
For the best flavor, I like to use large, fresh elderflower heads. I gently clean them and remove any little insects before adding them to the cooled syrup.
Ingredients
- 40 large elderflower heads
- 3 liters (about 12 3/4 cups) water
- 3 kg (about 6.6 lb) sugar
- 60 g citric acid
- 3 lemons
How to Make Elderflower Syrup
1. Make the sugar syrup
Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Remove it from the heat, then add the sugar and citric acid. Stir until all of the sugar has completely dissolved.
Leave the sugar syrup to cool completely to room temperature. I always wait until it is cool before adding the flowers.
2. Add the elderflowers and lemons
Once the syrup has cooled, add the cleaned elderflower heads to the pot. Slice the lemons and add them on top.
Make sure the flowers are sitting well in the syrup so they have plenty of time to release their lovely floral flavor.
3. Leave it to infuse
Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and leave everything to infuse for 24 to 48 hours. Give it a good stir a few times while it is sitting.
By the next day, the syrup already has that fresh elderflower and lemon smell that makes this recipe feel so much like summer.
4. Strain and bottle
Strain the syrup through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Squeeze the flowers well at the end to get as much of the syrup out of them as possible.
Pour the finished syrup into clean, sterilized bottles and seal them straight away.
How I Like to Serve It
At home, we simply pour a little elderflower syrup into a glass and top it up with cold water. Sparkling water is lovely too, especially on a warm summer day.
I like to add a few fresh lemon slices when serving it. You can also squeeze in a little extra lemon juice if you want the drink to taste fresher and slightly less sweet. Add some ice and a few fresh mint leaves and you have such a simple, refreshing summer drink.
A Little Taste of Summer
Elderflowers are only around for a short time, which is probably part of what makes making this syrup feel special. A few bottles tucked away mean we can enjoy that familiar elderflower flavor even after the flowers outside have disappeared.
It is simple, homemade and made from something that grows right around us. Those are usually the recipes I enjoy making the most.
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