Elderflower is a quintessential British summertime ingredient – its sweet, floral character lends itself to sweet and savoury recipes as well as drinks. Elderflower has a short season from late May to early June, so use it to create our spring/summer recipes while you can. For more seasonal fruit ideas, also check out our gooseberry recipes.
Easy elderflower recipes
Elderflower, thyme and lemon ice lollies
If you’re after an elderflower cordial recipe, follow this and just reduce the water to 750ml, then strain into sterilised jars. Otherwise, use your cream-coloured blooms to make these grown-up ice lollies.
Elderflower and raspberry mocktail
This elderflower and raspberry mocktail is a refreshing soft drink for a hot day, and means the designated driver doesn’t have to miss out on the fun. Bottle it up and take it to a picnic.
Make the most of the British summer larder in this comforting cake, finished with a sweet and subtly floral elderflower drizzle.
This recipe for elderflower-cured mackerel with tomato consommé comes from Bulrush in Bristol, and makes an easy but impressive starter.
Valentine Warner’s elderflower ice cream is light, aromatic and calls for only five ingredients. You can use homemade elderflower cordial, but a shop-bought variety will work perfectly too.
Pair floral elderflower with juicy kiwi in this impressive but easy-to-make dessert, ideal for a summer dinner party.
This elderflower-spiked chilled mulled wine makes a great alternative drink for the festive season. That said, thanks to its fresh, juicy flavour, it’d be great in summer, too. Plus, it’s really easy to make.
Elderflower stars in these fruity, creamy puds. They’re easy, individually portioned dinner party desserts that can handily be made ahead.
