Elderflower Syrup

Homemade elderflower syrup is the scent of early summer: from a few handfuls of freshly picked elderflowers, in a few days it becomes a refreshing, flower-scented syrup. Diluted with water or soda water, it refreshes.

1. Gently shake out the 20 elderflower heads and clean them of insects, but do not wash them – most of the scent and flavour is in the pollen.

2. Put them in a large container with the 2 sliced lemons and the 40 g citric acid.

3. Boil the 2 litres of water with the 1.5 kg sugar until the sugar dissolves, then cool it to lukewarm.

4. Pour the sugar liquid over the elderflowers so it covers them.

5. Covered, in a cool place, steep it for 2-3 days, stirring daily.

6. Strain it, pour it into clean bottles, and store it in the fridge.

Tip: Drink it diluted with water or soda water; with a slice of lemon in the glass it is even more refreshing.