There’s something magical about capturing spring in a bottle—and homemade elderflower syrup does exactly that. Fragrant, floral, and slightly citrusy, this syrup brings an elegant twist to everything from cocktails to cakes.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make elderflower syrup from scratch, you’re in the right place. We’ve turned our love of blossoms into a sweet, golden syrup that tastes like sunshine in a glass!
From Wild Blossom to Golden Elixir
One of our favorite early summer traditions is heading out with baskets in hand, foraging for fresh elderflowers. There’s something grounding and almost romantic about the whole process.
Using real blossoms, this vegan elderflower cordial recipe brings out the delicate, honeyed aroma elderflowers are known for.
Simple Ingredients, Show-Stopping Flavor
All you need are fresh elderflowers, organic lemons, sugar, and water. That’s it! We keep it clean and simple—no preservatives, no artificial flavors.
This all-natural elderflower syrup recipe lets the flowers shine, and the gentle lemon zing brings the perfect balance.
Let It Steep for Maximum Magic
After mixing everything together, the secret is in the steeping—at least 24 hours for that rich, layered flavor. Trust us, it’s worth the wait.
When making homemade elderflower syrup with lemon, patience gives you the most fragrant and flavorful result.
Quick Tip!
Don’t forget to shake off any bugs and trim the stems before steeping—only the blossoms go in the pot! 🐝🌼
So Many Ways to Enjoy It
We drizzle it over pancakes, stir it into cocktails, mix it with sparkling water, or even pour it over vegan vanilla ice cream. You can also use it in salad dressings or to moisten cake layers.
This versatile elderflower syrup for drinks and desserts is truly a kitchen staple once you’ve tried it.
Bottled Sunshine, Perfect for Gifting
A bottle of this syrup makes a beautiful, homemade gift—especially in a vintage-style glass bottle with a handwritten tag. It’s elegant, thoughtful, and oh-so-delicious.
This DIY elderflower cordial syrup is the kind of gift people remember—and always ask for again.
Bottle the Bloom, Sip the Season
Our homemade elderflower syrup recipe has become one of our most beloved seasonal rituals. It connects us to nature, celebrates the fleeting beauty of elderflower season, and fills our kitchen with joy.
Ready to make your own floral masterpiece? Let’s steep some sunshine together.
Ingredients
- 25-30 elderflower heads fresh and fully open, not wilted
- 4 cups sugar
- 4 cups water
- 2 lemons organic, if possible
- 2 tbsp citric acid optional, acts as a preservative
Instructions
- Prepare the Elderflowers: Gently shake the elderflower heads to remove any insects or dirt. Do not wash them, as this can remove the fragrant pollen.
- Trim off the thick stems, leaving just the flowers and smaller stems.
- Prepare the Lemons: Slice the lemons thinly.
- Make the Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heatproof bowl or container, place the elderflower heads and lemon slices.
- Pour the slightly cooled sugar syrup over the elderflowers and lemons.
- Stir in the citric acid if using.
- Steep: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the mixture steep in a cool, dark place for 24-48 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure all the flowers are submerged.
- Strain the Syrup: After steeping, strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl or jug to remove the flowers and lemon slices. For a clearer syrup, strain it a second time through a finer sieve or a coffee filter.
- Bottle the Syrup: Pour the strained syrup into sterilized bottles or jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: The syrup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and defrost as needed.
Notes
- Add to sparkling water for a refreshing elderflower soda.
- Use as a sweetener in cocktails or mocktails.
- Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or desserts.
- Mix into yogurt or salad dressings for a floral twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Homemade Elderflower Syrup
🌸 What is elderflower syrup?
It’s a fragrant, naturally sweet syrup made by steeping fresh elderflower blossoms with sugar, water, and lemon. The result is a beautifully floral concentrate used to flavor drinks and desserts.
🍋 Can I use dried elderflowers?
Fresh blossoms are ideal for maximum aroma and freshness, but in a pinch, lightly dried flowers can work. Use slightly more to achieve a robust flavor.
🎨 How long should I steep the flowers?
Let the blossoms steep in the syrup base for 24–48 hours in a cool, dark place. Taste along the way to capture just the right level of elderflower essence.
🥶 How should I store the syrup?
Once strained and bottled, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in ice-cube trays or preserve in sterilized glass bottles using a hot-water bath.
🥂 What can I mix with elderflower syrup?
It’s versatile—add it to sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea, champagne, gin and tonics, or spring cocktails. It also works beautifully drizzled over yogurt, pancakes, or fresh fruit.
🌼 Can I use it in baking?
Yes! Stir it into cake batters, frostings, or glazes for a subtle floral note. It pairs well with lemon, vanilla, berries, and almond flavors.
A fragrant summer must-have—this elderflower syrup turns plain water into floral magic!