Homemade Elderflower Syrup

Elderflower syrup is one of the most refreshing traditional summer drinks in the Balkans. Made with fragrant elderflowers, lemons, and sugar, this homemade syrup is mixed with cold water for a light floral drink perfect for hot days. Every family has their own version, and this simple recipe has been enjoyed for generations during elderflower season.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Rest Time 48 hrs

Total Time 48 hrs 30 mins

Cuisine: Balkan Kitchen

Courses: Drinks

Best Season: Summer

Description

This homemade elderflower syrup is a refreshing Balkan summer classic made by steeping elderflowers and lemons before turning them into a fragrant sweet syrup perfect for mixing with cold water.

Ingredients

30 elderflower heads
3 sliced lemons,
30 g citric acid
3 liters water
3 kg sugar

Instructions

1
Place elderflower heads and sliced lemons into a large bowl or pot.
2
Add citric acid and pour over 3 liters of water.
3
Cover and let the mixture sit for 24 hours.
4
After 24 hours, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.
5
Add sugar to the strained liquid and stir well.
6
Leave for another 24 hours until the sugar fully dissolves.
7
Heat the mixture on the stove until it reaches boiling point. Do not boil for long.
8
Pour the hot syrup into clean sterilized bottles.
9
Seal the bottles and allow them to cool completely.
10
To serve, mix the syrup with cold water according to taste.

Note

Always pick elderflowers away from roads and pollution.
Do not wash the flowers too much or you may lose their aroma.
Adjust the syrup-to-water ratio depending on how sweet you like it.
You can reduce the amount of sugar or replace part of it with honey or another sweetener if desired.
Store unopened bottles in a cool dark place.

Keywords: Homemade, Summer Drink, Refreshing Recipe