11 elderflower recipes
Use this quintessential British summertime ingredient in our recipes, from kiwi pavlova and botanical ice lollies to a gooseberry cake and elderflower ice cream
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 and then our floral recipes.
Read our guide on how to forage in cities in spring and summer.
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.
Easter 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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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