Elderberry lemonade, with its delightful combination of tangy citrus flavors and the natural sweetness of elderberries, is the epitome of a summer beverage.
While classic lemonade has always been a go-to choice, why not take it up a notch with the delightful addition of elderberries? Introducing elderberry lemonade, a refreshing healthier twist on a beloved summer drink. Let’s explore the wonders of elderberry lemonade, learn how to make it, try creative variations and serving ideas!
Get ready to embrace the tangy-sweet flavors of elderberry combined with the zesty freshness of lemonade for the ultimate summer refreshment. And if you prefer a more subtle, floral, and slightly sweet taste, try this Elderflower Lemonade.
And for variety check out this Orange Lemonade Recipe Aka Orangeade , this Cherry Lemonade or Green Tea Lemonade.
If you’re aware of the incredible benefits of elderberries, then you’re going to love this recipe!
Ingredients and Sourcing Tips
To make a delicious elderberry lemonade, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Elderberry infusion or syrup (either homemade or store-bought syrup).
- Sweetener: honey, agave syrup, granulated sugar, or sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, xylitol, or Monk fruit. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime juice if you prefer).
- Filtered water (or sparkling mineral water or unsweetened club soda for extra fizziness).
- Ice cubes (optional for serving).
- Lemon slices and fresh berries for garnish.
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How To Make Elderberry Lemonade
You have two choices when it comes to creating elderberry lemonade: either prepare your own elderberry syrup or purchase a pre-made one.
You can use store-bought elderberry syrup or concentrate for convenience. That’s what I’m using here.
Step 1. Create The Elderberry Infusion Or Syrup
To make an elderberry infusion at home, follow these steps:
- In a saucepan, bring the dried elderberries (about 1 cup) and water (3 cups) to a boil. Let it simmer gently until the liquid has reduced by half, about 40-45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 30 minutes. Then drain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer. Discard the elderberries.
- Now you can add honey (about 3/4 cup) and lemon juice to the liquid mixture if desired, mix until disolves completely. Your homemade elderberry syrup is ready to use.
Step 2. Create the Perfect Lemonade Base
- In a pitcher with 3-4 cups of water (or sparkling water), combine 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/3 cup of honey or granulated sugar. Stir the mixture until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
Tip: To maintain the nutritional value of both honey and elderberries, use water at room temperature; this also ensures successful dissolution.
Step 3. Incorporate the Elderberry Syrup
- For a layered appearance, pour the lemonade into the glass first, then add the elderberry syrup. You’ll need approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoon of elderberry syrup per glass (10 oz) of lemonade.
- If you prefer, you could also mix the elderberry syrup directly into the lemonade base in the pitcher, ensuring a good stir. Once done, taste your elderberry lemonade and adjust it to your taste by adding more honey or sugar for sweetness, or more lemon juice for an extra tart kick, if desired.
- The elderberry syrup adds extra sweetness, so start with less sweetener and gradually increase according to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the elderberry lemonade in tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch. Optionally, you can use fresh blueberries for an added touch of decoration.
For those who enjoy a little extra kick in their drinks, elderberry lemonade can be transformed into delightful cocktails.
Non-Alcoholic Fruity Elderberry Spritzer:
- Mix elderberry lemonade with a splash of juice like cranberry or blueberry and use sparkling water instead of regular water.
- Add a twist of fresh lemon and a few fresh blueberries.
For an Elderberry Lemonade Cocktail:
Use the same ingredients described above plus 1 oz of a spirit of your choice: vodka, rum or gin. Experiment with different spirits and ratios to find the combination that you enjoy the most.
Storing The Elderberry Lemonade
If you have any leftover elderberry lemonade, you can store it in a covered pitcher or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to consume it fresh to retain its flavors and freshness.
FAQs
Elderberry lemonade is a refreshing beverage that is made by infusing elderberries or using elderberry syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sweetener – creating a delicious and tangy drink. Elderberry lemonade can be enjoyed on its own as a beverage or used as a base for cocktails by adding spirits or other mixers. It’s a great choice during the summer months for its vibrant taste and potential health benefits.
Since it’s made with a concentrated form of elderberries, an elderberry lemonade can help with support a healthy immune system. Both elderberries and lemons are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, therefore and elderberry lemonade is also great for keeping you hydrated, as well as aiding digestion while providing a delicious and revitalizing flavor.
Yes, you can drink elderberry lemonade every day, but it’s important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially when you want to limit sugar.
Printable Recipe
Elderberry Lemonade: A Refreshing Healthier Twist
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup lemon juice - freshly squeezed
- 1/3 cup honey - preferably raw organic
- 3 cups water
- 4 tbsp elderberry syrup - see notes
Optional
- 3 cups ice cubes - for serving
- 3 lemon slices - for decoration
Instructions
Create the Lemonade Base
- In a pitcher with 3-4 cups of water (or sparkling water), combine 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/3 cup of honey (or granulated sugar). Stir the mixture until the sweetener is fully dissolved.Tip: To maintain the nutritional value of both honey and elderberries, use water at room temperature; this also ensures successful dissolution.
Incorporate the Elderberry Syrup
- For a layered appearance, pour the lemonade into the glass first, then add the elderberry syrup. You’ll need approximately 1 to 1.5 tablespoon of elderberry syrup per glass (10 oz) of lemonade.
- If you prefer, you could also mix the elderberry syrup directly into the lemonade base in the pitcher, ensuring a good stir.
- Taste your elderberry lemonade and adjust it to your taste by adding more honey or sugar for sweetness, or more lemon juice for an extra tart kick, if desired.
- The elderberry syrup adds extra sweetness, so start with less sweetener and gradually increase according to your taste preference.
Serve
- Serve the elderberry lemonade in tall glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch. Optionally, you can use fresh blueberries for an added touch of decoration.
Notes
- In a saucepan, bring the dried elderberries (about 1 cup) and water (3 cups) to a boil. Let it simmer gently until the liquid has reduced by half, about 40-45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool for 30 minutes. Then drain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer. Discard the elderberries.
- Now you can add honey (about 3/4 cup) and lemon juice to the liquid mixture if desired, mix until disolves completely. Your homemade elderberry syrup is ready to use.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
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