Easy Elderflower Lemonade Perfect For Summer

Stay cool and refreshed this summer with a delicious and invigorating drink: elderflower lemonade.

As the temperatures soar and the sun beams down, there’s no better way to quench your thirst. Elderflower lemonade, with its delightful combination of delicate floral notes and tangy citrus flavors, is the epitome of a summer beverage. Check out this easy-to-follow recipe with step by step photos, creative twists, serving suggestions, and storing tips.

Get ready to discover the wonders of elderflower lemonade and bring the taste of summer to your glass. And when you want variety, switch to a healthier green tea lemonade or a sweet orange lemonade aka orangeade, an elderberry lemonade or a cherry lemonade.

Ingredients and Sourcing Tips

To make a delicious elderflower lemonade, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Elderflower infusion (either homemade or store-bought syrup). Since I don’t have access to fresh wlderflowers at the moment, I’m using this pre-made elderflower syrup – it has a fabulous aroma and minimal ingredients); Plus it’s quick and easy to store for longer once the bottle is open. There is also an organic elderflower infusion as well;
  • When sourcing elderflowers, it’s best to use fresh blossoms if they are available. You can find them in specialty grocery stores or farmer’s markets during the spring and early summer months. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll find these shrubs growing wild in your area.

• Sweetener: honey (agave syrup, granulated sugar or sweetners like erythritol, stevia, xylitol or Monk fruit would also work, just make sure to adjust to your taste);
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice (alternatively you could use limes if you’re out of lemons);
• Filtered water (sprakling mineral water, or unsweetened club soda would also work);
• Ice cubes (optional for serving)
• Lemon slices and fresh elderflowers for garnish;

Related: Cucumber Lemon Ginger Water Benefits + Recipe

How To Make An Elderflower Lemonade

1. Make Elderflower Infusion

To create an elderflower-infused syrup from scratch, follow these steps:

• In a saucepan, combine 2 cup of water and 3.5 cup of granulated sugar.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally.
• Add the elderflower blossoms to the syrup (you’ll need about 15 flower heads) and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.
• Add the juice of one organic lemon.
• Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for 30 minutes.
• Transfer to a jar/bowl with a lid and let it steep at cool temperature for 48 hours, stirring the syrup once daily.
• Strain the syrup to remove the elderflower blossoms, and your elderflower syrup is ready to use.

Alternatively, you can skip the infusion-making process by using a store-bought elderflower syrup or concentrate.

2. Create the Perfect Lemonade Base

• In a pitcher with water (or sparkiling water), about 3-4 cups, combine 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/3 cup of honey (or granulated sugar).
• Stir the mixture until the sweetener is fully dissolved.

Related: Make Ginger Water The Right Way: Benefits And Drinking Tips

3. Incorporating Elderflower Syrup Into The Base

• Add the elderflower infusion (I’m using 4 tablespoons) to the lemonade base and stir well.
• Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your preference by adding more honey/sugar or lemon juice. Since the elderflower syrup adds extra sweetness you may want to start with a lower amount of sweetner and gradually increase to your taste.

Related: Honeydew Smoothie (Slush) | A Refreshing Summer Drink

Creative Variations and Additions

Elderflower lemonade can be enhanced with a few ingredient additions. Here are a few ideas to experiment with:

• Minty Twist: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the lemonade for a refreshing herbal twist.
• Fruity Burst: Include slices of strawberries, raspberries, or peaches to add a burst of fruity flavors. Or you could add a splash of juice.
• Sparkling Elixir: Substitute the plain water with sparkling water or soda for a fizzy version.
• Citrus Fusion: Mix in some orange or grapefruit juice along with the lemon juice to create a citrusy medley.

Serving

Serve the elderflower lemonade in tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh elderflowers for an elegant touch. Optionally use some dried rose buds for decoration.

For those who enjoy a little extra kick in their drinks, elderflower lemonade can be transformed into delightful cocktails. Here are two versions:

1. Non-Alcoholic Fruity Elderflower Spritzer:

• Mix elderflower lemonade with a splash of juice like pineapple or grapefruit.
• Add a twist of fresh lime with it’s juice.
• Garnish with a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint.

2. Elderflower Gin Fizz:

• Combine elderflower lemonade with gin.
• Squeeze in a wedge of lime.
• Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of rosemary.

Pairing Elderflower Lemonade with Snacks and Dishes

Elderflower lemonade pairs well with a variety of snacks and dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some suggestions:

• Light Salads: Enjoy a crisp summer salad with fresh greens, citrus segments, and a light vinaigrette to complement the floral and citrus flavors of the lemonade.
• Grilled Seafood: The delicate flavors of grilled fish or shrimp are enhanced by the subtle floral notes of elderflower lemonade.
• Fruit Desserts: Elderflower lemonade is the perfect accompaniment to fruit-based desserts like berry tarts, lemon bars, or fruit salads like this mango cucumber salad for example.

Storing

If you have leftover elderflower lemonade, you can store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to consume it fresh to retain the flavors and fizziness.

FAQs

Elderflower lemonade is a fantastic summer refresher that combines the delicate floral aroma of elderflowers with the zesty tang of lemons. Whether enjoyed on its own or as the base for creative cocktails, this delightful beverage is sure to quench your thirst and bring a burst of summer flavors to your palate. So, embrace the beauty of elderflower lemonade and savor its refreshing taste all season long.