Go Back
yellow elderflower syrup in small glass jars on white tea towel on black marbled countertop with cookbook on stand in background

Homemade Elderflower Cordial Syrup Recipe

This homemade elderflower syrup recipe is a versatile syrup that brings an aromatic twist and slight floral sweetness to your drinks and desserts. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 10 hours
Total Time 10 hours 20 minutes
Serving Size 3 .5 pints

Ingredients

  • 20-25 blossom heads
  • 3 quarts water
  • 10 cups sugar
  • 4 lemons
  • 2 oranges

Instructions

  • In a large stock pot over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in water. 
  • Add the juice of one lemon to keep from discoloring, and bring to a boil.
  • Remove from heat, add elderflower blossoms to boiled water and let steep for 8-10 hours.
  • Add the juice from the remaining lemons and oranges for flavor.
  • Strain through cheesecloth or filter.
  • Add citric acid or more lemon juice if you are going to water bath can- to strained liquid.
  • Pour into washed and sterilized bottles or containers. You can keep it in the fridge for 3 months. It can also be frozen in ice cube trays for easy use or water bath canned.

Notes

  • Use granulated white sugar for a lighter color.
  • Use fresh flowers for a brighter floral fragrance, however, dried flowers will work as well.
  • For a thicker syrup, use a 1:2 or 1:1.5 ratio of water to sugar.