Elderflower Syrup
Are the Elderberries blooming again? Then it’s time to collect the flower pedals and prepare syrup. With this recipe, this sweet refreshing drink succeeds
Elderberry, or Holunder in German, shows its pretty and fragrant flowers between May and July and can can be used to make syrup. It is best to harvest the Elderflowers by cutting the buds on a dry, sunny day, when they will have the most aroma and has fully opened flowers.
The Elderflower (Sambucus) form a genus of plants in the family of the musk herb plants (Adoxaceae). The genus contains just over twenty species worldwide, three of which are native to Central Europe. The Elderberry is a strong-growing plant that is completely undemanding and resilient.
The best known of these three species is the Fliederbeere (Blackelder), which in today’s language is usually shortened to “Elder”, in northern Germany often also as “Fliederbeerbusch” . The Flowers and berries are versatile, so you can make syrup or lemonade from both. From the berries you can prepare jelly and liqueur. In ancient times the black berries were also used for coloring.
You will need food grade Citric Acid (Amazon)
You can make a refreshing drink with Holunder or Elderflower syrup. Especially good with Seltzer water or Champagne, and if preferred with ice cubes.
Elderflower Syrup, a refreshing drink
Ingredients
- 40 Elderflower blooms
- 4 lemons
- 2 Liter (2 1/8 quarts) Water
- 50 g (2 3/4 tbsp) citric acid (Walmart or Amazon)
- 3 kg (15 cups) sugar
- Clean Elderflowers (do not wash!)
- Shake off dry and trim stems if necessary.
You can make a refreshing drink with Holunder or Elderflower syrup. Especially good with Seltzer water or Champagne, and if preferred with ice cubes.
You can buy food grade Citric Acid here on AmazonInstructions
- Slice the lemons. Drop all specified ingredients in a clean tub or large bowl.
- Leave for 3-5 days in a dark and cool place, cover with a lid or cloth towel if possible.
- Allow to stand until the sugar has dissolved. Stir everything well once a day.
- Strain through a fine cloth (cheesecloth) into a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil briefly and fill into clean sterilized bottles (with screw cap).
- Keeps great in the pantry, sealed 6 month.
Notes
Keeps great in the pantry, sealed for about 6 month
