Make Ahead

Elderflower Saft

Name: Elderflower Saft
Yield: Makes 8 cups cordial
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 40 Elderflower clusters; 3 lemons., sliced; 4 pounds superfine sugar; 2 1/2 ounces citric acid; 8 cups water; 2 tablespoons cordial; 6 ounces mineral water; 3-4 cucumber slices; 1 sprig mint

by: NotesOnDinner

May 27, 2011

4.5 2 Ratings

Makes 8 cups cordial

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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 saft
2 tablespoons cordial
6 ounces mineral water
3-4 cucumber slices
1 sprig mint

Directions

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.
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.
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 May 30, 2011

Yum! I love the St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and this sounds a lot like a non-alcoholic version.

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 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 May 31, 2011

Beautiful variety! thanks for the link.

creamtea May 27, 2011

This sounds wonderful. Elderflowers! Can I grow them in containers? On my city balcony? Anyone?

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