How To Make Elderflower Syrup (Cordial Recipe)

Elderflowers have a long history of traditional use for cold and flu support, seasonal allergy relief, and more, but their fruity, nectar-like floral flavor also makes them perfect for culinary uses – wine, jam, lemonade . . . even fritters!

And of course there’s elderflower syrup – light, delicious, and versatile.

Though elderflower preparations are less common in the United States than, say, elderberry syrup, both elderflower and berry extracts are frequently stocked in pharmacies throughout Europe. (1)

There’s a lot of crossover in the benefits they offer, but when it comes to antioxidant support the flowers may be preferred. That’s because although berries do contain antioxidants including anthocyanins, the creamy white flowers are particularly rich in flavones – up to 10 times more than the the fruit. (2)

According to one study, this difference results in “a much stronger neutralizing activity of free radicals compared to elderberry fruit.” (3)

The recipe you’ll find below – which is sometimes called elderflower cordial – can enjoyed in a variety of ways. For example, you can:

• Drizzle it over ice cream
• Make bubbly elderflower soda (recipe below)
• Stir it into mocktails or cocktails
• Add a splash to prosecco, white wine, or sparkling wine
• Make elderflower lemonade (recipe below)
• Stir it into hot or iced herbal tea
• Add it to herbal popsicles

If you’ve ever made elderberry syrup, you’ll find the process to be very similar. The main difference is that the simmer time has been reduced because the flowers are more delicate than the berries.

Elderflower Syrup Recipe

With a fruity, nectar-like floral flavor, this elderflower syrup has so many delicious uses – bubbly soda, lemonade, ice cream topping, mocktails and more! For a printable version of this recipe, scroll to the bottom of this article.

• ½ cup dried elderflower blossoms
• 2½ cups water
• 1 cup raw honey *
• zest of 1-2 lemons

Instructions

• Add water, dried elderflowers and lemon zest to a pot.
• Bring water to just below a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Allow to infuse for 20 minutes.
• Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the flowers.
• Let the infusion cool to room temperature, then measure how much liquid you have. If you have 1 cup of liquid, add 1 cup of honey and stir to combine. If you have a little less, say 3/4 cup liquid, use 3/4 cup honey. The point is to use equal parts liquid and honey.
• Transfer the elderflower syrup to a mason jar (or other glass jar with a lid) and refrigerate. 

Notes

Honey should not be given to children under the age of one.

Quick Elderflower Soda Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons elderflower syrup
• 1 cup sparkling water (S. Pellegrino, Perrier, Topo Chico or LaCroix will work)
• squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

Elderflower soda is most refreshing served cold, so I recommend either chilling the sparkling water in advance or serving it over ice.

To make, just pour the sparkling water in a glass, add the elderflower syrup (and a squeeze of lemon juice if you have it on hand) and stir until combined. Pour over ice if desired and serve. 

Elderflower Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup light colored honey (or more to taste)
• 1 cup lemon juice (If you use organic lemons don’t waste the rind – use it to make lemon pepper seasoning)
• 5 cups filtered water
• 1/4 cup elderflower syrup

Instructions

• Add the honey, lemon juice, water and elderflower syrup to a large pitcher or jar.
• Whisk the ingredients together until everything is fully combined.
• Place ice in serving glasses, add the lemonade, and enjoy!

More Herbal Syrups To Try

Rosehip Syrup – According to Nordic folklore, Viking raids were fueled by rosehips, which are loaded compounds that support immunity, vitality and well-being.⁠ Here’s how to make them into rosehip syrup, jam, elixir, and oxymel.

Schisandra Berry Syrup – If you already love elderberry syrup, you’re going to add this to the mix! Made from the “five flavors fruit,” this syrup is a delicious way to support immune function and energy levels through the fall/winter months.

Ginger Syrup – Ginger has been used for thousands of years to soothe tummy aches, nausea and indigestion, as well as support immune function. Here’s how to make it into a soothing syrup.

Sources

1. Rosemary Gladstar (2012) Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs: 33 Healing Herbs to Know, Grow and Use
2. Andrzej Sidor and Anna Gramza-Michałowska (2015) Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review
3. Georgiana Smaranda Marțiș (Petruț) et. al. (2021) The Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Sambucus nigra L. and Sambucus nigra Haschberg during Growth Phases: From Buds to Ripening

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