We are lucky in the Southern Hemisphere that we see the most beautiful plants at Christmas (both native and otherwise), one in particular is elderflower. This flower is good for your respiratory system and summer allergies, but it's also delicious and easy to wild harvest!
We love plants and making things. So, why not combine the two and make a few presents this year celebrating the elderflower? Here's how to use elderflower in some delicious and unique ways.
🌿Related: 5 Incredible Elderflower Health Benefits
1. Elderflower cordial recipe
If you’re wondering how to use elderflower then this recipe is a classic. Good old elderflower cordial, it’s such a refreshing drink for summer! This cordial will last for 6 weeks in the fridge, but you can freeze it in ice cubes for later use. You can use this cordial to make drinks, add to jellies, add to fruit salads, drizzle over berries, or even in festive gins.
Ingredients
1.5 L water
1.5kg sugar
20 fresh elderflower heads (stalks trimmed)
2 lemons
1 orange
85gm citric acid
Method
1. Place the sugar and 1.5 litres of water in a saucepan. Gently heat until the sugar has dissolved.
2. In a bowl of cold water gently swish the elderflowers through to get rid of bugs and dirt.
3. Bring the syrup to a boil, then turn off the heat.
4. Zest the lemons and orange and then chop them up and add them to the mix.
5. Add the elderflowers and the citric acid.
6. Cover the saucepan and leave for 24 hours
7. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth and pour it into clean sterilised bottles. Label.
2. Infused elderflower vodka
Nothing says summer like an infused elderflower vodka! This recipe is super easy and creates a beautiful flavoured vodka that goes perfectly with some soda water, in a cocktail or even on its own. This is how to use elderflower in vodka.
Ingredients
10 small elderflowers
75gm sugar
½ lemon zested
1L vodka
Method
1. Shake the elderflower heads to get any bugs etc out of the flowers.
2. Pack into a large jar, add sugar and lemon zest.
3. Top up with the vodka.
4. Seal the jar and shake to help distribute the sugar and lemon zest.
5. Place in a dark place and shake each day. Leave for 2-4 weeks.
6. Strain the vodka into a clean new bottle and label. You can add more sugar to taste if you wish.
3. Elderflower sorbet
You might be wondering how to use elderflower in something other than a drink, so here’s a recipe for elderflower sorbet. Cold and refreshing this is an awesome addition to Christmas pudding! This will keep in the freezer for 3 months.
Ingredients
20 fresh elderflower heads – shaken to get rid of dust/bugs etc
550 ml water
300 grams caster sugar
2 lemons juiced (keep the halves)
Method
- Put the elderflowers in a saucepan with 550ml of water, add lemon juice and the lemon halves.
- Bring to a gentle simmer until sugar is dissolved.
- Turn off the heat and leave to infuse between 1-5 hours.
- Strain the mixture and pour it into a freezer-safe container
- Place in freezer for 2-3 hours until semi-frozen
- Place in a blender or food processor and blend until the ice is broken down.
- Place back in the container and freeze for another 1-2 hours again.
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Repeat this process (the more you repeat the smoother it gets).
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To serve, leave it out on the bench for five minutes before scooping.
4. Elderflower toner
This recipe shows you how to use elderflower to help your skin! You can also add in rose petals, or calendula to the infusion. Another option instead of water is using witch hazel which is often used to help support healthy skin. If you are using witch hazel, leave the elderflowers to infuse for seven days then strain. This toner will last longer than the water infusion. If you have an empty Throat Spray bottle you can use this to put your toner in!
🌿Related: 7 Simple Natural Remedies For Glowing Skin
Ingredients
1 head of fresh elderflowers (or 2 tsp dried)
200ml boiling water
5ml glycerine (optional)
Method
1. Remove the stalks from the elderflowers (if using fresh) and put the flowers in a heatproof bowl.
2. Pour over boiling water, cover with a plate and leave to infuse until cool.
3. Strain out the elderflowers, then add the glycerine (if using) to the liquid and mix well.
4. Pour into spray bottles, label and use.
