June signals one major event in my foraging year…Elderflowers! These creamy white umbels of sweet and fragrant flowers grow on Elder trees and later in the year will transform into earthy Elderberries. For now though, the flowers are out and can be used to add flavour and aroma to both drinks and desserts. If you have never had Elderflowers before, they’re intensely fragrant and pair well with sugar and citrusy flavours.
One of the best ways to start off any Elderflower concoction though is to infuse the flowers to and make a cordial. A cordial is essentially a sweet syrup that is commonly diluted in water, juice, and alcohol to make a summery floral drink. It can also be used to flavour cakes, icings, puddings, and other sweet recipes.
First off you have to find your Elderflowers. Growing wild across Europe and North America, there is only one other flower that looks similar so foraging them is fairly safe. Saying that, I myself have made the error in picking Rowan flowers instead of Elder in years past and can only say that you’ll know for sure that the flowers you pick are truly the ones you’re after if they smell like Elderflowers. Rowan flowers are harmless but they don’t have the beautiful aroma and flavour that you’re after. The image above shows Elderflowers growing on the tree so you can also have a look at the leaves.
Claire says
I’ve used this recipe twice. The first bottle I’m half way through and the second is still warm from the pot. Delicious, and so simple, thank you!
lovelygreens says
Glad you’re enjoying the recipe Claire :)
Joel Fischer says
Something isn’t quite right in your recipe.
You have 1.5l/3.17 quarts. The conversion is actually 3l/3.17qrts
I assume it’s 1.5l since the final amount comes to about 2l
lovelygreens says
It’s pints. Thanks for letting me know.
Jessica says
Hi,
This looks lovely! Can I use dried elderflower and if so at what quantity?
Jessica
lovelygreens says
Yes you can :) When using dried material, use half the amount (in weight) of the fresh flowers or leaf.
Monika says
I just made it, added extra lemon and it’s just beautiful. Great recipe!
lovelygreens says
Thanks Monika! Enjoy your homemade elderflower cordial :)
Pia says
Personally I would stress that you should not rinse the flowers before use, they’ll lose their taste and fragrance , only, as you say,let them rest to debug them. Also it is a good idea to pick them early morning while the dew is still on them or after a slight rain shower .
Elderflower cordial is the best. Thanks for the recipe Tanya. It’s a good simple one. No need for citric acid.
flowerdalejewel says
I'm not aware of any Ederberry bushes here where I am in Australia, is there a recipe that I can make using dried flowers?
Ashford upholstery cleaner says
Thank you for the wonderful recipe! My mother used to make Elderflower Cordial years ago and it was my favourite summer drink! This brought back happy memories of my childhood :)
Sarah Krouse says
Sounds wonderful! I just took a foraging class and was wowed by the flavors, along with the thrill of hunting down indigenous plants during their fleeting moment of bloom! I'm so intrigued by the whole idea of it. Great post – thanks for sharing.
Tanya @ Lovely Greens says
There's something inside of all of us that gets a thrill out of foraging and discovering the edible side of the natural world! I'm happy you liked the post :)
CJ says
I do so love elderflower cordial. If I haven't left it too late, I might try and make some this week. It's a once a year opportunity after all! Thanks for the recipe Tanya, I especially like the addition of citrus.
Tanya @ Lovely Greens says
You should have plenty of time CJ…Elderflowers should be out for the next couple of weeks or so.
Jacki says
Isn't that what the two old ladies served their guests in Arsenic and Old Lace, the play? It sounds delicious, but watch out for additives.
Tanya @ Lovely Greens says
Sounds like some dangerous Elderflower Cordial! I promise my version has no 'additives' though ;)