Elderflower syrup with lemon

Elderflower syrup with lemon - a refreshing drink for all seasons

What could be more enjoyable than savoring elderflower syrup with lemon, a drink that combines the delicate aroma of flowers with the freshness of lemon? This traditional recipe is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a natural remedy, rich in vitamins, that can be easily prepared at home. Whether you choose to cool off in the summer or sweeten your winter with a warm drink, this elderflower syrup is the perfect choice.

Total preparation time: 2 days
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Infusion time: 24 hours
Number of servings: Approximately 2 liters of syrup

Ingredients:

- A bucket of elderflowers (about 30-40 flowers)
- 5 kg sugar
- 1 kg of fine-skinned lemons (ideally organic lemons, as they are pesticide-free)

The story behind the recipe

Elderflowers have been used for centuries in various cultures for their medicinal properties. Elderflower syrup with lemon is not just a tasty drink but also a traditional remedy that helps strengthen the immune system, being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Over time, this syrup has become popular among homemakers, serving as an excellent way to preserve the flavors of summer for the cold winter days.

Step by step - preparing elderflower syrup with lemon

1. Collecting elderflowers
Choose a sunny day to gather the elderflowers. Make sure they are fresh, clean, and free from insect traces. It is ideal to pick them early in the morning when the flowers are full of dew to retain all the aroma.

2. Washing the flowers
Once you have gathered the flowers, wash them gently under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Avoid soaking them, as the flowers are very delicate.

3. Preparing the infusion
Place the elderflowers in a large container (a bucket or a glass jar), adding enough water to completely cover them.

4. Adding the lemons
Wash the lemons well and cut them into thin slices, keeping the peel. Add the lemon slices to the water with the elderflowers. The aroma of the lemons will enhance the flavor of the syrup and give it a note of freshness.

5. Infusion
Cover the container with a lid or a clean towel and let it sit in a cool place for 24 hours. This process will allow the flowers to release all their aroma and beneficial properties.

6. Straining the syrup
After 24 hours, strain the infusion using a fine sieve or cheesecloth to remove the flowers and lemon slices. Gently press the flowers to extract all the liquid.

7. Adding the sugar
In a large pot, add the strained infusion and the sugar. Stir well over low heat until the sugar is completely dissolved. This is the stage where the syrup starts to thicken.

8. Boiling the syrup
Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the temperature and let the syrup boil for about 10-15 minutes. It is important to stir constantly to avoid caramelizing the sugar.

9. Cooling the syrup
Once the syrup has boiled, let it cool to room temperature.

10. Bottling the syrup
After it has cooled, pour the syrup into clean, sterilized bottles. Seal them tightly and label them with the preparation date.

Practical tips for a perfect syrup

- Choose elderflowers carefully: Buy or gather elderflowers from unpolluted places. Avoid flowers that have started to wilt.
- Sugar: You can use white sugar, but also brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners, but make sure they are suitable for syrups.
- Sugar-free option: If you want a healthier version, you can replace sugar with honey, but the taste will be different.
- Adding spices: You can add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to give it an exotic note.
- Storage: The syrup can be kept in the refrigerator for a few months. Make sure the bottles are well sealed.

Combining elderflower syrup with other recipes

Elderflower syrup with lemon can be used in various ways:

- Refreshing drinks: Mix the syrup with sparkling water or still water for a refreshing drink. You can add a few mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.
- Cocktails: Use it as a base for cocktails, combining it with gin or vodka. It’s an excellent choice for parties!
- Desserts: You can drizzle elderflower syrup over ice cream or yogurt for a delicious dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Elderflowers are known for their health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming elderflower syrup can help strengthen the immune system, reduce cold and flu symptoms, and improve respiratory health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use dried elderflowers?
Yes, but the aroma will be less intense. Usually, a smaller amount of dried flowers is used.

2. What can I do if I don’t have a bucket of elderflowers?
You can look for flowers at health food stores or online.

3. Can the syrup be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the syrup in containers or ice cube trays to have it on hand during the summer.

In conclusion, elderflower syrup with lemon is a simple yet flavorful recipe that will remind you of sunny days, no matter the season. By experimenting with this recipe, you will manage to bring a touch of nature into every glass. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor the sweetness of life!