Elderflower and lemon syrup

Elderflower and Lemon Syrup

If you're looking for a delicious and fragrant syrup recipe that brings a touch of summer to every glass, you've come to the right place! Elderflower syrup combined with lemon is a refreshing drink, full of flavor, perfect for warm days. This recipe was passed down from a colleague of my sister, and we learn to perfect recipes through mistakes, don’t we? Come and discover together how to make an elderflower syrup that will delight your taste buds and refresh your days!

Preparation time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Boiling time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 1 liter of syrup

Your ingredients are:
- 1 kg of sugar
- 1 liter of water
- 3 fresh lemons
- 7 elderflower heads (make sure they are fresh and clean)

A note about your ingredients:
Elderflowers are often used in drinks and desserts due to their delicate floral flavor. Buy elderflowers from a trusted source or, better yet, pick them yourself in an unpolluted area. Lemons, on the other hand, bring a fresh acidity that balances the sweetness of the syrup. Choose organic, unwaxed lemons to enjoy their pure flavor.

Step by step to achieve a perfect syrup:

1. Preparing the flowers: Carefully wash the elderflowers under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities or insects. Make sure to dry them well, as excess water can dilute the syrup.

2. Boiling the water: In a large pot, add 1 liter of water and bring it to a boil. When the water reaches boiling point, add the elderflowers. Let them boil for 10-15 minutes, covering the pot with a lid to intensify the flavor.

3. Straining the infusion: After the flowers have boiled, remove the pot from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine sieve or a piece of cheesecloth. This will yield a clear liquid full of elderflower aroma.

4. Adding the sugar: Put the strained liquid back into the pot and add 1 kg of sugar. Stir well until completely dissolved, then put the pot back on the heat. Let it boil for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture becomes syrupy.

5. Adding the lemons: Here comes the crucial moment! Wash the lemons well and slice them thinly. Add the lemon slices to the boiling syrup and continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes. This step will bring a fresh taste, but make sure to add the lemons at the end to avoid bitterness.

6. Sterilizing the bottles: While the syrup is boiling, sterilize the bottles in which you will store the syrup. You can do this either by boiling or washing them in the dishwasher at high temperatures.

7. Bottling the syrup: When the syrup is ready, carefully pour it into the sterilized bottles, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Seal the caps tightly and let them cool completely.

Serving and combinations:
Elderflower and lemon syrup is best served with sparkling or still water, with ice cubes to chill it. It’s a perfect drink for parties, gatherings with friends, or simply to pamper yourself on a warm day. You can also try combinations with gin or vodka for a tasty cocktail.

Variations and useful tips:
- If you want to enhance the syrup's flavor, you can add a few mint or basil leaves during boiling. These aromatic herbs will give you a unique and refreshing taste.
- Instead of white sugar, you can use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor and a deeper color.
- If you have leftover lemons after making the syrup, don’t throw them away! You can candy them and use them in cakes or as a garnish for various drinks.

Nutritional benefits:
Elderflower syrup is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing an energy boost and contributing to strengthening the immune system. In addition, lemon brings a significant amount of vitamin C, beneficial for skin health and the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dried elderflowers? Yes, but the flavor will be less intense. If you choose to use dried flowers, use about half the amount indicated.
- How long does the syrup last? The syrup can be stored in sterilized and tightly sealed bottles for several months under refrigeration. It is recommended to consume it within 6-12 months to enjoy its optimal flavors.
- Can I use other citrus fruits? Absolutely! Oranges or limes can add an interesting note to the syrup.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get to work and enjoy the final result! Prepare your elderflower and lemon syrup and let yourself be carried away by its floral aromas! Happy cooking!