🌼 Homemade Elderflower Liqueur: A Floral Delight in a Bottle
Elderflower liqueur is a fragrant, elegant, and delicately sweet spirit that captures the fleeting beauty of early summer. Whether you’re drizzling it into a sparkling cocktail or sipping it neat over ice, making your own elderflower liqueur at home is surprisingly easy—and far more satisfying than buying it off the shelf.
This recipe uses freshly foraged elderflowers (or dried, if fresh aren’t in season), combined with citrus, sugar, and your choice of alcohol to create a golden, floral infusion.
🌿 What is Elderflower?
Elderflowers are the tiny, white, star-shaped blossoms of the elder tree (Sambucus nigra), typically blooming from late May through early July in many regions. They have a delicate floral aroma with hints of honey, pear, and green freshness.
While they’re famously used in cordials and syrups, elderflowers also make an incredible liqueur—light, floral, and slightly sweet, ideal for cocktails like the St-Germain Spritz or the Hugo.
🧾 Ingredients
For About 750ml Elderflower Liqueur:
- 15–20 fresh elderflower heads (or 1 cup dried elderflowers)
- 750 ml vodka or brandy (unflavored, 40% ABV)
- Zest of 1 organic lemon (avoid the bitter white pith)
- Zest of 1 organic lime or orange (optional, for a citrusy twist)
- 200–250 g white sugar
- 200 ml water
🥄 Instructions
🥣 Step 1: Prepare the Elderflowers
- Harvest elderflowers on a dry day when they’re fully open but not browned.
- Shake off any insects and trim the green stems (they’re slightly toxic and bitter).
- Do not wash the flowers—just gently inspect and clean them.
🍶 Step 2: Infuse the Alcohol
- In a large jar, combine:
- The cleaned elderflower heads
- Citrus zest
- Vodka or brandy
- Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place for 3–5 days, shaking gently once a day.
- Taste after 3 days. When the floral aroma is strong and pleasing, it’s ready to strain.
🧂 Step 3: Make Sugar Syrup
- Heat 200g sugar with 200ml water in a saucepan until fully dissolved.
- Let cool to room temperature.
🍾 Step 4: Strain and Blend
- Strain the elderflower mixture through a fine mesh strainer or muslin cloth into a clean bowl or jug.
- Mix in the cooled sugar syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
🍷 Step 5: Bottle and Age
- Pour into clean glass bottles using a funnel.
- Let sit for at least 1–2 weeks to allow the flavors to mellow and blend.
- Store in the fridge or a cool dark cupboard. It can last up to a year if well-sealed.
🍸 How to Use Elderflower Liqueur
This liqueur is incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic Spritz: Mix with sparkling wine and soda water.
- Elderflower Collins: Mix with gin, lemon juice, and soda.
- Drizzle on desserts: Try over vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.
- Sip it neat over ice for a floral aperitif.
🌸 Tips & Notes
- Freshness matters: Use only freshly opened elderflowers that smell sweet and fragrant. Avoid any with brown or drooping petals.
- Alcohol choice: Vodka gives a clean, neutral flavor. Brandy adds richness and depth.
- Zest lightly: Too much citrus pith can make the liqueur bitter.
- Sterilize bottles: Always clean and sterilize storage bottles to avoid spoilage.
đź’ˇ Bonus: Elderflower-Ginger Variation
Add a few thin slices of fresh ginger during infusion for a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the floral notes.
Final Bloom 🌼
Homemade elderflower liqueur is a gorgeous way to bottle a piece of summer. Elegant, aromatic, and impressive, it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Whether you’re crafting cocktails or elevating desserts, a splash of elderflower magic goes a long way.
