Make Ahead

Elderflower Saft

by:
May 27, 2011
4.5
2 Ratings
Elderflower Saft
  • Makes 8 cups cordial
Author Notes

I learned how to make elderflower cordial from my mother-in-law in Sweden. To make it, you collect 40 elderflower blooms and simmer them with lemons, sugar and water to make a cordial. This cordial can be used to make saft - a soda based drink, and for cocktails, parfaits and more. It's a lovely and ephemeral taste of summer in Sweden. —NotesOnDinner

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • Elderflower Cordial
  • 40 Elderflower clusters
  • 3 lemons., sliced
  • 4 pounds superfine sugar
  • 2 1/2 ounces citric acid
  • 8 cups water
  • Elderflower saft
  • 2 tablespoons cordial
  • 6 ounces mineral water
  • 3-4 cucumber slices
  • 1 sprig mint
Directions
  1. Combine the elderflowers, lemons and citric acid in a very large heat proof bowl that can accommodate all of the water and sugar. In a large saucepan boil the water and sugar together, stirring until all the sugar has dissolved. Pour the syrup over the elderflowers and lemons and cover with a clean cloth. Let rest for 3-5 days.
  2. Strain the mixture and discard all elderflowers and lemons. Pour cordial into sterilized bottles and store in a cool dark spot. The cordial can be used immediately.
  3. To make saft, add 2 tbsp cordial to 6 ounces of sparkling water, or to taste. Garnish with cucumbers and mint leaves. Variations might include raspberries, strawberries or even a little rhubarb syrup.
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5 Reviews

hardlikearmour
hardlikearmour May 30, 2011
Yum! I love the St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and this sounds a lot like a non-alcoholic version.
 
NotesOnDinner
NotesOnDinner May 31, 2011
I like St Germaine too, the cordial is very similar! And, although I hesitate to mention this, you can get a reasonable version of elderflower saft at IKEA! It's fine, although if you can find the blossoms and make it yourself, it's magical.
 
NotesOnDinner
NotesOnDinner May 27, 2011
So I just looked this up. A very pretty variety (the one I have) is sambucus nigra and they are easy to grow, and beautiful. Here is a link
http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=7751
 
creamtea
creamtea May 31, 2011
Beautiful variety! thanks for the link.
 
creamtea
creamtea May 27, 2011
This sounds wonderful. Elderflowers! Can I grow them in containers? On my city balcony? Anyone?