13 elderflower recipes

When is elderflower in season?

Elderflower has a short season from late May to early June. The best time to pick elderflower is in June, when the blooms are at their freshest and most fragrant.

Why we love elderflower

Delicate, floral and perfumed, elderflower is a seasonal treat. The short season makes it extra-special, so make the most of it. The most common use for elderflower is making homemade cordial (check out our easy recipe below), but the fragrant blossoms can also be used in special summer desserts from pavlovas to cakes, as well as cocktails, ice lollies and even savoury dishes.

Easy elderflower recipes

Elderflower cordial

Make the most of the short elderflower season by making this fresh cordial – serve it with sparkling water, mix with gin over ice or toss with fruit for a salad.

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. Next, try our healthy banana split ice lollies or our summer strawberry ice lollies recipe.

Elderflower ice cream

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.

Elderflower and kiwi pavlova

Pair floral elderflower with juicy kiwi in this impressive but easy-to-make dessert, ideal for a summer dinner party. Check out more pavlova recipes here.

Lemon and elderflower maritozzi with pistachio and raspberry

Pillowy soft brioche buns are bursting with lemon zest and elderflower cordial-spiked cream, topped with freeze-dried raspberries and chopped pistachios.

Lemon and elderflower almond cake

Serve up a pretty, seasonal bake with elderflower cordial soaked almond sponges, creamy lemon curd filling and edible flowers to decorate.

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. See more mocktail recipes here.

Gooseberry fool

The tartness of gooseberries is the perfect foil for whipped cream and syrupy elderflower cordial in this dessert that can be put together quickly.

Elderflower drizzle cake with gooseberry and almond

Make the most of the British summer larder in this comforting cake, finished with a sweet and subtly floral elderflower drizzle. Next, try this zesty grapefruit drizzle cake recipe.

Elderflower-cured mackerel with tomato consommé

This recipe for elderflower-cured mackerel with tomato consommé comes from Bulrush in Bristol, and makes an easy but impressive starter.

Chilled, mulled elderflower wine

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 daiquiri

Summery, elegant and simple to make, this cocktail is also easy to adjust to your taste. Reduce the lime juice by 5ml to make it sweeter, or add more to sharpen. For an alcohol-free version, try our daiquiri mocktail recipe.

Mezcal and elderflower highball

Mix up this fragrant mezcal highball, topped with grapefruit soda and rose water and garnished with edible flowers for a floral finish.