Imagine sipping a refreshing drink that captures the essence of summer in every drop! Homemade elderflower syrup is the secret ingredient that will elevate your beverages and impress your friends at your next gathering. This delightful syrup, bursting with floral notes and zesty lemon, is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re mixing it into cocktails, drizzling it over desserts, or simply adding it to sparkling water, this syrup is a game-changer for your summer drink repertoire. Get ready to unlock the enchanting flavors of elderflower and transform your summer sipping experience!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: European
Serves: 1 liter
Ingredients
- 20 elderflower heads
- 1 liter water
- 1 kg granulated sugar
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 tsp citric acid
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 20 elderflower heads, 1 liter of water, 1 kg of granulated sugar, 2 sliced lemons, and 1 teaspoon of citric acid. Ensure that the elderflower heads are freshly picked and free from any insects or debris.
- In a large pot, pour in 1 liter of water and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. This will be the base for your elderflower syrup.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the 1 kg of granulated sugar to the pot. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved in the water, creating a simple syrup.
- After the sugar has dissolved, remove the pot from heat. Add the 20 elderflower heads to the syrup, making sure to submerge them well. This will allow the flowers to infuse their flavor into the syrup.
- Next, add the sliced lemons and the 1 teaspoon of citric acid to the pot. The citric acid will help enhance the flavor and act as a preservative.
- Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel or lid and let the mixture steep for about 24 hours at room temperature. This will allow the elderflower and lemon flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot or bowl. Make sure to press the elderflower heads gently to extract as much liquid as possible while leaving any solids behind.
- Once strained, return the liquid to the pot and bring it back to a gentle boil over medium heat. This step will help to concentrate the flavors and ensure the syrup is well combined.
- Let the syrup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the syrup slightly and enhance its flavor.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the elderflower syrup into sterilized glass bottles or jars for storage.
- Seal the bottles tightly and store the elderflower syrup in the refrigerator. It should keep well for several weeks, ready to be used in refreshing summer drinks or cocktails.
- To serve, mix the elderflower syrup with sparkling water, lemonade, or use it as a sweetener in cocktails for a delightful summer beverage.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Elderflowers: For the best flavor, pick elderflower heads on a dry, sunny day. Ensure they are free from insects and dirt, as cleanliness is key to a delicious syrup.
- Use a Fine Mesh Sieve: When straining the mixture, a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth will help you achieve a clear syrup by removing all solid particles.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet syrup, start with 800 grams of sugar and add more if needed.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding other herbs like mint or basil during the steeping process for an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to strain them out before bottling!
- Sterilize Your Bottles: To extend the shelf life of your syrup, make sure to sterilize your glass bottles or jars before filling them. This will help prevent any unwanted bacteria from spoiling your syrup.
- Serve Chilled: For the ultimate refreshing drink, serve your elderflower syrup mixed with chilled sparkling water or lemonade over ice. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
- Store Properly: Keep your elderflower syrup in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks for the best flavor. If you want to preserve it longer, consider freezing it in ice cube trays for easy use later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
