We’re in Russia, cathcing up with family and friends, and loving the abundant local springtime. Paloma’s Russian has improved very quickly, being around her grandma and cousins all the time – I’m one pleased mama.
Spring time here in the Northern Caucasus means blossoming elder trees everywhere. Seeing all this beauty, I remembered about an Elderflower Lemonade from the Vegetarian Everyday cookbook that I’ve been curisous to try.
I loved the whole process – from picking wild elderflowers, to seperating the buds from the stems – overall it was a very aesthetically satisfying process. There is lots of folklore based around the elder tree and its parts are believed to have many medicinal properties.
Elderflowers lend a subtle, perfumey and very summery flavor. For this lemonade, I used local honey, which is bright yellow in color and gave the lemonade a brilliant shade. We’ve been enjoying it in the afternoons, to cool down in a land where air conditioning is rare.
In other news, I’m doing my first cookbook signing and cooking demo at the charming Inkwood Books in Tampa. If you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there. Visit here for tickets and more info.
Elderflower Lemonade
about 6 elderflower heads
1 lemon – juice and zest
1 lemon – thinly sliced
1/2 cup honey or more to taste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
6 cups room temperature water
Mix all ingredients to dissolve. Cover and let infuse at room temperature for 24-48 hours. Strain the flowers and keep refrigerated.
Beautiful and just so summer-y. Really, really lovely.
Beautiful!!! I love elderflower. I only wish it was easier to get hold of here in Australia.
So beautiful! I’m a sucker for recipes with flowers!
Oh my gosh, this lemonade looks so refreshing! The perfect drink enjoyed on a porch on a warm summer day. A truly wonderful post, Anya! Enjoy your time with family and friends!
Gorgeous! Both the photos of the lemonade and the scenery. Inspired.
Elderflower is so pretty, too! What a lovely recipe.
I love elderflower, and this looks stunning!
с цветочками очень красиво получается))
пьётся прямо вместе с ними?
wild elderflowers! i would love to see those beautiful stems and delicate flowers in person one day. so much love for this lovely summer drink!
Hi Anya!
Ack, I wish i saw this post last month! We have 2 huge elderflower trees, and the smell was so good that I really oped to do something with the flowers that didn’t involve baking…unfortunately, they all fell before I could figure out some proper uses for them.
Your book got in the mail today and I LOVE it! Can’t wait to cook (and blog from it! :)
Your book is in my to buy list! I love your blog, recipes and the feeling I get when I come here. So fresh and vibrant!
oh my….must admit, I fell in love with the plant from the first smell…
When you say infuse at room temperature, do you mean the water isn’t boiling when you start? I make cordial with pretty much the same recipe, albeit with boiling water at the beginning. The only trouble with this is it smells like a tom cat has been by.
Hi Steve, I just cover it with room temperature water and let it infuse, no boiling water.
How much elderflower syrup would I need if I didn’t have access to the flowers? Also, how much does this recipe make?
Hi Collette,
This recipe makes 6 1/2 cups.
I’ve never made this lemonade with elderflower syrup, so I cannot give you an amount. Start with a small amount of syrup and taste as you go, until you are happy with the flavor.
Hello, I just made this recipe and dried some of the flowers at the same time, and realize that the flowers do not smell like the dried elderflower I am used to. Any thoughts on why that might be?
Hi Lauren,
I actually have no experience with drying elderflower, so I’m not sure!