Simple Sugar-free Elderflower Drink
Every spring, my grandmother would lovingly prepare a refreshing elderflower drink that captures the essence of the season. She would handpick delicate elderflower umbels and soak them in water, adding slices of fresh orange to infuse a subtle citrus flavor. Traditionally, the drink was sweetened with sugar, but I’ve adapted her recipe to a sugar-free version, using agave syrup instead. This elderflower drink is a cherished family tradition, perfect for enjoying on warm days.
What are Elderflowers and how to recognize them?
Elderflowers are the fragrant blossoms of the elderberry tree, Sambucus nigra. These small, creamy-white flowers grow in umbrella-shaped clusters and have a sweet, floral scent. Elderflowers bloom from mid (Southern Europe) or late May to early July, making this the perfect time to forage them.
To recognize elderflowers, look for clusters of tiny, five-petaled white flowers with a yellowish center, set against dark green, serrated leaves. The elderberry tree itself is a tall shrub or small tree, often found in hedgerows, woodlands, and along roadsides.
When picking elderflowers, choose a sunny day, and gather the flowers in the morning after the dew has dried. Select only fully open, fresh clusters, avoiding any that are brown or wilted. Snip the flower heads with scissors, leaving some blooms to respect insects and ensure future growth and fruiting. Use the elderflowers promptly, or store them in a cool place to preserve their delicate aroma and flavor.
Choice of sweetener
I try to avoid processed sugars and opt for natural sweeteners only. In Ayurveda, particularly the sattvic diet, the emphasis is on consuming pure, natural, and minimally processed foods. I don’t recommend the use of processed sugars, as energetically they lower the frequency. Instead, I prefer to rely on the inherent sweetness of ingredients or sweeten my dishes with more natural alternatives like agave syrup or apple syrup.
Serving Recommendations
This Elderflower Drink is nice warm in a cup for a cosy flower experience, or chilled with some ice if the sun is burning hot outside.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Soaking the umbels: In my experience, there is a moment when the water starts to look weird and taste of alcool. It is therefor essential to monitor the soaking time to prevent this unintentional fermentation, depending on the temperature of the storage place. In my experience, up to 2 days in a cool place is fine. Shorter than 8 hours makes no sense, unless you prefer the drink to have only little elderflower flavor.
Simple Sugar-free Elderflower Drink
Equipment
- 1 kitchen cloth - perfume-free
Ingredients
- approx 1,5 liters water
- 12 umbels elderflower
- 1/2 orange
- 1/2 lemon – optional
- 2-5 tbsp agave sirup
Instructions
The day before
- Pick Elderflowers:Carefully select fresh elderflower umbels, ensuring they are free from blemishes or insects. Gently shake them to remove any debris.
- Soak Elderflowers:In a large bowl or pot, place the elderflower umbels and add enough cold water to cover them completely. Toss in slices of fresh orange and lemon for added flavor.
- Infuse Flavors:Let the elderflowers and citrus slices steep in the water for at least 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. The longer they soak, the stronger the flavor will be.
The day after
- Strain the Mixture:After soaking, strain the infused liquid through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the elderflowers and citrus slices, leaving behind a clear, fragrant liquid.
- Heating and sweetening the Mixture:To conserve the drink and enhance flavors, pour it into a pot and bring it to a boil. Stir in agave syrup to taste, starting with 2 tablespoons and adjusting according to your preference for sweetness. Mix well until the syrup is fully dissolved.
- Serve:Enjoy the elderflower drink warm for a comforting drink during cooler days or chilled over ice cubes for a refreshing summer beverage.
