20+ Elderflower Recipes: cordial, liqueur, tea, jelly, cake + more! (2024)

FAQs

Is drinking elderflower cordial healthy? ›

Elderflower is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when used short-term as medicine, or in small amounts as part of a combination product containing elderflower, sorrel, gentian root, verbena, and cowslip flower (SinuComp, Sinupret). The combination product can cause digestive system upset and sometimes allergic skin rash.

Elderflower has a woodsy and floral taste, and their sweetness comes out when elderflower is cooked. Photo courtesy of Shadi via Unsplash. Compared to elderflower, elderberry has a more intense taste: woodsy and floral, with a dark flavor that can be bitter and earthy when the fruit is consumed raw.

The terms elderflower syrup and elderflower cordial are used interchangeably: they both mean a concentrated elderflower extract. This extract can be used in drinks, liqueurs, creams, and any other number of food items as an additional flavor profile and sweetener.

Elderflower cordial has a sweet, floral, refreshing taste which is one of my favourite summer drinks. It's a non-alcoholic concentrated syrup that can be mixed with sparkling water or soda water and ice to enjoy in the heat.

Elderflower is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in excessive amounts. Some parts of the elderflower plant contain a cyanide-producing chemical which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cooking removes this chemical. Not enough is known about the safety of applying elderflower directly to the skin.

Elderflower is a diuretic, laxative, antispetic, antiviral and also has anti-inflammatory properties. The flowers are known for their high antioxidant content and Vitamin C which is great for boosting your immune system.

Because it is very expensive to bring flowers to market. Cut flowers are a global business. They are grown on another continent, harvested by hand, and rapidly shipped long distances under refrigeration. Because flowers are delicate they require extra care and handling along the way.

Unopened: Best stored in a cool, dark place to maintain organoleptic quality. Once opened: After opening keep refrigerated and drink within 3 weeks.

St‑Germain is a French liqueur made with fresh elderflowers, hand-picked once a year in the late spring.

Wild cordials can start to spontaneously ferment when wild yeasts get to work on them. The fermentation process causes carbon dioxide gas. Left with nowhere to go in a bottle this can build up and cause explosions.

Can I drink elderflower liqueur straight? ›

Absolutely, you can drink elderflower liqueur straight! If you're new to this, try it chilled or at room temperature in a small, elegant glass. This method lets you savor its aroma and taste in its purest form, creating a delightful sensory experience.

As with all things Elderflower, I advise removing the thick stems from the flowers and as many of the little stems as you can be bothered to remove. The more stem left in whatever you're making, the greener the final result will be. And the greener it is, the more bitter it may become.

Drink plenty of water instead of sugary drinks like cordial, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit drinks, vitamins style waters, flavoured mineral waters and soft drinks. Drinks containing added sugars are not required for good health, and may increase the risk of weight gain in children and adults.

So, while a fruit cordial makes water more enjoyable thanks to the fruity flavour and sugar, fermented cordials like JIN JIN have wonderful health benefits. They're not only healthier because they create low-sugar drinks, but they also have a positive impact on your digestive system.

St. Steve's Spiced Elderberry Cordial is a delicious and healthy combination of elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Lots of health benefits (elderberries can shorten colds and flu and some people find it to be just as effective as Tamiflu), as well as immune boosting and full of antioxidants.

Drinks such as elderflower, dandelion and nettle can cause over activity. Green tea can cause over activity as caffeine present and acts as a diuretic. TOMATOES – They are a citrus fruit which can irritate the bladder and can worsen with people who suffer with an overactive bladder.