Elderflower fizz (2024)

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Elderflower fizz (1)

By: Phoebe Stone

  • Published:10 Jul 19
  • Updated:18 Mar 24

Elderflower fizz (3)

This summer refresher is easier to make than you might think. A light and fragrant drink, it’s a fantastic alternative to shop-bought bubbly, and has hardly any alcohol.

Elderflower fizz (4)

For something completely non-alcoholic, you could try our traditional homemade elderflower cordial instead.

  • Elderflower fizz (5)Easy
  • June 2019
  • Elderflower fizz (7)Makes about 3 litres
  • Elderflower fizz (8)Hands-on time 10 min, plus infusing and fermenting

This summer refresher is easier to make than you might think. A light and fragrant drink, it’s a fantastic alternative to shop-bought bubbly, and has hardly any alcohol.

For something completely non-alcoholic, you could try our traditional homemade elderflower cordial instead.

    Nutrition: PER 150ML SERVING

    Calories
    62kcals
    Fat
    nil
    Protein
    nil
    Carbohydrates
    15.6g (15.6g sugars)
    Fibre
    nil
    Salt
    nil

    Rate

    Share

    Ingredients

    • 8 elderflower heads
    • Pared zest and juice 1 small lemon
    • 465g caster sugar
    • 4 tsp white wine vinegar

    You’ll also need…

    • Muslin
    • 2 x 2 litre plastic drinks bottles (see bottling tips, below)
    • Large funnel
    • Glass bottles for decanting before serving – optional

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    Method

    1. Give the freshly picked elderflower heads a shake, then inspect and remove any insects. Put the elderflowers in a large bowl, add the lemon juice and toss with the pared zest, sugar and vinegar. Gently pour over 3 litres tepid water and stir to dissolve the sugar. Put in a cool dark place, loosely covered with fine muslin, for 24 hours to infuse.
    2. Working in batches, strain the mixture into a jug through fine muslin, then pour into the plastic bottles using the funnel. Leave a generous gap of about 5cm at the top of each bottle and seal tightly.
    3. Leave to ferment in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, checking on it regularly and ‘burping’ the bottles if necessary, then transfer to the fridge (see Make Ahead). Serve chilled. It will be around 1.5% ABV (alcohol by volume).
    4. Recipe continues after advertising

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    • Recipe from June 2019 Issue

    Nutrition

    Nutrition: per serving

    Calories
    62kcals
    Fat
    nil
    Protein
    nil
    Carbohydrates
    15.6g (15.6g sugars)
    Fibre
    nil
    Salt
    nil

    delicious. tips

    1. The bottles you use need to be able to withstand the pressure from the carbon dioxide produced by fermentation. Two-litre plastic drinks bottles work well as they have a tight screw cap and are less dangerous in the event of an explosion than glass.

      Wash bottles in hot, soapy water and rinse well before using. If you notice a bottle has become taut, ‘burp’ it by letting out some of the gas. The drink will ferment until it’s put in the fridge. When the fizz is ready, decant it into pretty glass bottles to serve, if you like.

      If using glass bottles throughout, only use cylindrical, fermentation grade ones (from wilko.com) and sterilise bottles first.

    2. Keep finished fizz chilled for up to 3 weeks. Simply double the recipe for a bigger batch.

    3. Elderflowers are easy to identify and pick. Look for sprays with lots of open, clean, white, star-shaped flowers. Trim at the fork in the stem below (the stalks are bitter) and use within a few hours.

      As with all foraging, pick away from busy roads, where flowers may have been tainted by fumes, and don’t leave any of the elder tree branches too barren as this will prevent them producing berries later in the year. If you’re concerned about confusing elderflower blossom with other white flowers, give it a sniff – elderflower has a distinctive fresh scent, which you’ll recognise easily if you’ve ever had elderflower cordial.

      Making elderflower fizz involves controlling the reaction between naturally occurring wild yeasts on the flowers, the sugar the yeast feasts on and oxygen. After you’ve made it once, you can try tweaking the proportions to suit your tastes (reducing the sugar, for example, or adding another flavouring) or improve the outcome – adding more sugar or leaving the fizz to ferment for longer before bottling, if you think it’s too flat.

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    Recipe By:

    Phoebe Stone

    • Published:10 Jul 19
    • Updated:18 Mar 24

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    FAQs

    Is elderflower a fizzy drink? ›

    Real Pressed Elderflower & Sparkling Water - 24 x 330ml

    No added sugar, no sweeteners and no artificial ingredients, it's the skill of our chefs and the quality of our fruit that gives this fizz its fresh, crisp flavour and light, floral aroma.

    Is elderflower sparkling water good for you? ›

    The elderflower flavouring in the sparkling water does not offer any medical benefit. Mint has been a traditional remedy for upset stomachs, however, research hasn't been conclusive for ailments, such as IBS. It is also not recommended for those with GERD as it may trigger GERD symptoms.

    Does elderflower have alcohol? ›

    There's some confusion as to whether a cordial includes alcohol or not. Technically, an elderflower cordial is a soft drink, made in Victorian times that basically amounts to an elderflower simple syrup. It was used to flavor drinks, where alcohol could be added, or not, which gave the drink a lot more versatility.

    Why is my elderflower cordial fizzy? ›

    There is enough yeast in the flowers of the elderflower to cause it to ferment, go fizzy and become (very slightly) alcoholic. The solution is to freeze your cordial in small batches, and defrost as and when you need it.

    What is the number 1 fizzy drink? ›

    At the same time, taste remains the number one consideration in soft drinks, with flavour combinations becoming more and more innovative. When it comes to this year's rankings from NIQ (formerly NielsenIQ), Coca-Cola remains the number one soft drink in the total UK grocery market.

    Is elderflower drink good for you? ›

    Elderflower is a creamy, white flower found on the black elder tree. It's often used medicinally. Though research is limited, elderflower might help treat constipation, reduce cold and flu symptoms, treat gingivitis, and even control blood sugar. Elderflower is generally recognized as safe by the FDA.

    What are the disadvantages of elderflower? ›

    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.

    What are the side effects of elderflower? ›

    American elder flowers or cooked, ripe fruit are safe for most adults in the amounts found in foods. There is some scientific evidence that suggests the flowers are safe in medicinal amounts, which are typically larger. Some side effects might include nausea, vomiting, weakness, dizziness, numbness, and stupor.

    Can you drink elderflower 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.

    How does elderflower make you feel? ›

    Elderflowers can be of great help to soothe inflamed sinuses as they are high in flavonoids called Rutin and Isoquercitrin. Owing to their anti-inflammatory benefits on the upper respiratory tract and sinuses, they can reduce inflammation of tissues in the sinuses and dry up secretions and excessive mucus.

    What pairs well with elderflower? ›

    The lightly sweet nuances of elderflower blend well with many other natural fruit flavors and botanicals, including honey, pear, blackberry, strawberry, grapefruit, orange, lime, passionfruit, ginger, and even herbal flavors like rosemary, basil, and lemongrass.

    Is elderflower the same as elderberry? ›

    Elderberry and elderflower are two different parts of the same medicinal shrub. They are often compared to each other due to their comparable health benefits.

    Is elderflower cordial a laxative? ›

    1. Fighting Flu and infection. Elderflower is a diuretic, laxative, antispetic, antiviral and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

    Can you eat raw elderflower? ›

    It is best not to eat elderflowers raw, as the plant has a mild toxicity, which is why it is best to cook them or make cordial from them. Some people get an upset stomach from eating elderflowers or elder berries (elder flowers and elder berries come from the same plant).

    Is elderflower cordial an anti-inflammatory? ›

    Elderflowers have been known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, good for helping to relieve symptoms of colds and flu, sinus infections and respiratory disturbances. This cordial is packed full of Vitamin C which helps boost the immune system.

    What is considered a fizzy drink? ›

    Fizzy drinks are drinks that contain small bubbles of carbon dioxide. They make a sound like a long 's' when you pour them.

    Is elderflower tonic fizzy? ›

    Carbonated Spring Water, Fructose, Fresh Elderflower Extract, Acid: Citric Acid, Natural Flavourings including Natural Quinine. Whilst our 200ml bottles are the perfect size for a single serve, our 500ml bottles are great for enjoying a few drinks with friends.

    Why isn t my elderflower champagne fizzy? ›

    If your elderflower champagne is not fizzy, you can try troubleshooting by allowing more fermentation time, checking the yeast viability, ensuring sufficient sugar levels, ensuring proper bottle sealing, and monitoring fermentation temperature.

    What is the real name for a fizzy drink? ›

    However, in many countries such drinks are more commonly referred to by regional names, including pop, cool drink, fizzy drink, cola, soda, or soda pop. Other lesser used terms include carbonated drink, fizzy juice, lolly water, seltzer, co*ke, tonic, and mineral.

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