Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe

Name: Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe - Dorina G.
Ingredients: Elderflower syrup recipe: a bunch of blooming elderflowers (about 10 bunches); 600 (700) g sugar; 3 large lemons; 1/4 cube of fresh yeast; 6 l water.

Drinks - Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe by Dorina G. - Recipia

On Sunday, I came across freshly bloomed elderflowers right next to my building. I quickly gathered them, as they don't last long on the stall or in nature, and made some elderflower soda using my grandmother's recipe. I've done it a few times this way, and it always turns out to be a refreshing and slightly fizzy drink. It's not complicated, but it requires a bit of patience - about two days in the sun. Quick Info Total time: 2 days Preparation time: 15-20 minutes Fermentation time: 2 days Servings: about 6 liters (12-15 servings) Difficulty: easy Recipe type: seasonal refreshing drink Ingredients 10 bunches of fresh, well-bloomed elderflowers 600-700 g sugar 3 large lemons 1/4 cube of fresh yeast 6 liters of water Preparation method 1. Carefully wash the elderflowers under a quick stream of cold water. Don't insist too much so you don't lose the pollen, but remove any insects or impurities. 2. Place the flowers in a large container - ideally a big jar or a food-grade glass or plastic container. 3. Squeeze all 3 lemons and add the juice over the flowers. 4. Cut the peels of the used lemons into thin strips (just the yellow part, avoiding the white as much as you can) and add them to the container as well. 5. Add the sugar and crumble 1/4 cube of fresh yeast, sprinkling it over the other ingredients. 6. Pour the water over the entire mixture. 7. Mix everything well until the sugar starts to dissolve. 8. Cover the container with a lid or a plate (not airtight, to allow gases to escape) and place it in the sun, on the balcony or by the window. Let it ferment for two days. 9. After two days, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to keep it clear. 10. Put the resulting elderflower soda into clean bottles and store them in the fridge. Why I make this recipe often This elderflower soda is the simplest summer drink I can make at home, without much hassle. The ingredients are easy to find during elderflower season, and the result is always great to drink cold, especially on hot days. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Tips and variations Tips Use only fresh, fully opened elderflowers. If they are picked after rain, let them dry a bit on their own. If you have a jar with a tap, straining is easier, but any large clean container will work. Do not cover the container airtight, to avoid the risk of pressure buildup. If you want a more acidic soda, let it ferment for an extra half day, but taste it to ensure it doesn't turn sour. Substitutions You can use brown sugar for a more rustic flavor, although the drink will turn out slightly darker. If you don't have fresh yeast, I don't recommend using dry yeast here – the soda won't ferment the same way. In the absence of lemons, you can try using limes, but the taste will differ slightly. Variations Add a few slices of ginger for a slightly spicy flavor. Those who prefer a less sweet soda can reduce the sugar to 500 g, but then it will ferment a bit weaker. Some also add a few raisins, but I don't feel the need to. Serving ideas Serve cold, with plenty of ice and a few mint leaves. It can be placed in a pitcher at the table with thin slices of lemon. It's suitable alongside any summer snack, salads, or simple sandwiches. Frequently asked questions Can I use dried elderflowers for elderflower soda? I do not recommend it. Classic elderflower soda is made with fresh flowers for the right flavor and fermentation. Is it mandatory to use yeast? If you don’t add any yeast, the drink won’t ferment the same way and will come out flatter, without bubbles. Fresh yeast helps with quick fermentation and slight acidity. Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, but below 500 g, the fermentation won’t be as active, and the soda will be less fizzy. Find a balance according to your preference. Can elderflower soda be stored at room temperature after straining? No. After straining, keep it in the fridge to prevent continued fermentation and souring too quickly. Nutritional values Approximately per 250 ml of elderflower soda: - Calories: 80-100 kcal - Carbohydrates: 20-25 g - Sugar: 18-22 g - Protein: under 1 g - Fat: negligible Values may vary based on how much sugar you use and how much is consumed during fermentation. It’s a drink with quite a bit of sugar, but the portion is small and is consumed occasionally. Storage and reheating Elderflower soda can be stored in the fridge in well-sealed bottles. It lasts 4-5 days without losing its freshness. If it starts to sour or has too much foam, it’s a sign it has fermented too much. It should not be reheated, and there’s no point in trying to pasteurize it – it’s best served cold, as fresh as possible.

Grandma's elderflower syrup recipe

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