Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe

Name: Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe - Andra M.
Ingredients: Elderflower syrup recipe from grandma; 5 l still mineral water; 4 fragrant lemons; 5 elderflower blossoms (must be fresh); 4; 5 tablespoons of natural honey

Beverages - Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe by Andra M. - Recipia

Elderflower Cordial, Grandma's Recipe When fresh elderflowers appear, I usually make a batch of elderflower cordial and let it steep on the balcony. It's easy to prepare, with no boiling, using water, lemons, honey, and elderflowers. After one or two days, it gets strained and stored in the refrigerator. The original recipe mentions both 3 liters of water in the preparation method and 5 liters in the ingredients list. I've kept both details below to clarify the difference; for a successful batch, it's best to choose a single amount of water and use it consistently. Quick Info Preparation time: approximately 15-20 minutes for juicing the lemons and assembling the ingredients Steeping time: 1-2 days Cooking time: none Servings: the quantity depends on the volume of water used and the size of the container Difficulty: easy Recipe type: homemade beverage, no boiling Ingredients For elderflower cordial: 5 liters of still mineral water 4 fragrant lemons 5 fresh elderflower heads 4-5 tablespoons of natural honey The preparation description also mentions the option with 3 liters of water. If you use 5 liters, as stated in the ingredients list, you'll need a sufficiently large container. If you choose the 3-liter option, follow the same method without filling the container to the brim. Optionally, while the cordial is steeping, you can add raisins or strawberries. For a different flavor, a few fresh mint leaves can also be added. These appear as options in the original recipe and are not mandatory. Preparation Method 1. Choose the container Use a glass jar or a clean plastic bottle. The glass jar is the preferred option, but the recipe can also be made in a clean bottle. The container should have enough space for the water, lemons, and elderflowers without being filled to the top. 2. Dissolve the honey in water Pour the water into the container. The initial description mentions 3 liters of water, while the ingredients list indicates 5 liters. Regardless of the chosen option, add 4-5 tablespoons of honey and mix well until the honey dissolves in the water. 3. Prepare the lemons Wash the lemons very well, then juice them. Pour the juice into the container with water and honey and mix again. The lemon peels should also go into the container after juicing. 4. Add the elderflowers Carefully wash the elderflowers to avoid losing any blooms. Place them in the container over the lemon and honey water. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients. 5. Let the cordial steep Set the container on the balcony and leave it for one to two days. Do not screw on the lid. Just place it on top to cover the opening of the bottle without tightening it. If you want to use raisins or strawberries, add them during the steeping period. A few fresh mint leaves can also be added for flavor. 6. Strain and chill After one or two days, strain the cordial to remove the flowers, lemon peels, and any added fruits. Pour the liquid into bottles, preferably glass, and then place them in the refrigerator. The steeping time may vary depending on the temperature of the location where the container is left. The recipe indicates a range of 1-2 days, so the cordial should be checked during this time and strained once you feel the flavor is strong enough. Why I make this recipe often Elderflower cordial is prepared without boiling and doesn't require many ingredients. I love that I can use fresh elderflowers when they're in season, and after steeping, the drink can be stored in the refrigerator and served cold. The recipe is easily adaptable with raisins, strawberries, or mint, without changing the basic steps. Tips Wash the lemons before juicing them and putting the peels in the container, as they remain in the cordial during steeping. Elderflowers are easy to wash. If handled too roughly, the blooms may come off. Do not screw on the lid during steeping. In the original recipe, the lid is placed just to cover the opening of the container. Use a sufficiently large container for the chosen amount of water. It's impractical to cram the flowers and peels into a too-small container. Strain the cordial before putting it in the refrigerator. This way, the flowers and lemon peels won't remain in the liquid during storage. The recipe mentions two amounts of water: 3 liters in the preparation method and 5 liters in the ingredients. Choose the volume you want to use from the start and stick with it throughout the preparation. Substitutions Natural honey is the sweetener used in the basic recipe. No other quantity or sweetener is indicated in the source, so it's best not to change the ratio without adjusting the taste to your preference. The water used is still mineral water. If you choose the 3-liter option mentioned in the description, use the same water and adjust the volume of the container accordingly. Variations You can add raisins while the cordial is steeping. Strawberries are another option mentioned in the recipe and should also be added during the steeping period. A few fresh mint leaves can be added for a different flavor. In the original recipe, mint is mentioned as an idea for a future preparation, not as a mandatory ingredient. Serving Ideas Elderflower cordial is served cold, after being strained and stored in the refrigerator. Pour directly from the bottle into a glass and keep the rest chilled. Since the recipe does not include boiling, it is not a drink that is served warm or requires reheating. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How long should the cordial steep? The cordial should steep for one to two days. In the recipe, the container is placed on the balcony, and after this period, the drink is strained and transferred to bottles. 2. Should the lid be closed during steeping? No. The lid is placed only over the opening of the container without being screwed on. Its purpose is to cover the container, not to seal it tightly. 3. Can I use a jar instead of a bottle? Yes. The recipe allows for the use of a glass jar or a plastic bottle. The glass jar is the ideal option mentioned in the preparation. 4. Why are there 3 liters and 5 liters of water in the same recipe? The preparation steps mention 3 liters of water, while the ingredients list shows 5 liters. This is a discrepancy in the original recipe. To avoid a diluted cordial or an overflowing container, use a single amount of water and choose an appropriate container. 5. Can raisins, strawberries, or mint be added? Yes. Raisins and strawberries can be added during steeping, and a few fresh mint leaves can be used for flavor. These are optional variations. Nutritional Values The values are approximate and depend on the exact amount of honey, the volume of water used, and the serving size. The calculation below is indicative for a glass of approximately 250 ml, using 5 liters of water and 4-5 tablespoons of honey. Calories: approximately 15-20 kcal Carbohydrates: approximately 4-5 g Sugars: approximately 4-5 g, mainly from honey and a small amount of lemon juice Protein: less than 0.5 g Fat: 0 g If you use less honey or end up with a larger final quantity of cordial, the values per glass will be lower. The elderflowers, lemon peels, and any added ingredients do not allow for an exact calculation without precise quantities and without knowing how much liquid remains after straining. Storage and Reheating After straining, the cordial is poured into bottles, preferably glass, and stored in the refrigerator. Since the recipe does not specify an exact storage duration, it's recommended to consume it while it retains its usual taste and aroma. It is not reheated. Elderflower cordial is served cold, directly from the refrigerator.

Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe

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