Elderflower, lemon and vanilla syrup
Elderflower, Lemon and Vanilla Syrup is a delicious and invigorating floral concentrate that will quench your thirst and tantalize your taste buds. With its heavenly combination of fragrant elderflower, zesty lemon and aromatic vanilla, this liqueur is perfect for diluting with water for an invigorating drink on a hot summer day.
But its uses don’t end there! This versatile liqueur can also be incorporated into creamy, light desserts to add a subtle and enchanting flavor. Whether you’re making a delicious dessert or a traditional syllabub, elderflower, lemon and vanilla syrup will bring a whole new level of deliciousness to your desserts.
Ingredients
- 1kg powdered sugar
- 2 unwaxed organic lemons, halved, plus a strip of peel
- 1 vanilla bean, seeds reserved
- 1 tbsp citric acid powder or vitamin C powder
- about 40 fresh elderflowers, shaken free and lightly rinsed
Tip
Citric Acid/Vitamin C Powder
These can be purchased in pharmacies and health food stores.storage
You can store the syrup in sterilized bottles in a cool, dark place for two months or in the refrigerator for six months. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.Sterilize
To sterilize the bottles, wash them in hot, soapy water, rinse, and then place them on a baking sheet in a low oven to dry completely.
Preparation steps
- Fill a large pot with 2 liters of water.
- Add sugar, lemons, vanilla pod and powder to the pan.
- Bring the mixture slowly to a boil.
- Cook quickly until the mixture is reduced by half.
- Remove the pan from the heat.
- Add the elderflowers to the pan.
- Stir gently.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Strain the mixture through a muslin-lined sieve into another clean pan.
- Stir in the vanilla seeds.
- Store the liquor in sterilized bottles.
- Add a strip of zest and the vanilla bean to each bottle.
- To make a refreshing drink, use 1 part liqueur to 5 parts ice water.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 67 | 0g | 0g | 17g | 17g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
Equipment and tools
- Pot
- wooden spoon
- Fine sieve or muslin cloth
- Jar or bottle for storage
Allergen information
This recipe does not contain common allergens such as nuts, dairy or gluten. However, if you have specific allergies or dietary restrictions, please check the ingredients list and consult a doctor if necessary.
Storage and leftovers
You can store the syrup in sterilized bottles in a cool, dark place for two months or in the refrigerator for six months. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.
Sterilize: To sterilize the bottles, wash them in hot, soapy water, rinse, and then place them on a baking sheet in a low oven to dry completely.
Health Benefits of Elderflower, Lemon and Vanilla Syrup
The elderflower, lemon and vanilla syrup not only offers a refreshing and delicious taste but also brings several health benefits. This article examines the key ingredients and their healthy properties.
Elderflowers
Elderflowers are the flowers of the elderberry plant and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to their rich nutritional profile. They are packed with antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals.
Consuming elderflowers may contribute to improved immune function as they have antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. They can also help treat cold and flu symptoms, reduce congestion, and soothe a sore throat.
Lemons
Lemons are known for their high content of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and promotes skin health. They also contain beneficial plant compounds such as flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Incorporating lemons into the liqueur provides a refreshing tang while providing potential digestive, weight management, and heart health benefits. Lemons are believed to stimulate bile production and improve digestive function. They can also support weight loss by stimulating metabolism and helping to suppress appetite.
Vanilla
Vanilla not only gives the liqueur a wonderful aroma and pleasant taste, but also has certain health benefits. It has antioxidant properties that protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vanilla is believed to have calming and mood-enhancing effects, potentially reducing anxiety and stress.
Citric acid/Vitamin C powder
Adding citric acid powder or vitamin C powder gives the syrup a tangy flavor and provides additional health benefits. Citric acid is often used as a natural preservative and can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Vitamin C is essential for immune system function and helps with collagen production, wound healing and iron absorption.
storage
Proper storage of elderflower, lemon and vanilla syrup ensures its freshness and longevity. It is recommended to store the liqueur in sterilized bottles in a cool, dark place for up to two months or in the refrigerator for up to six months. It can also be frozen for a longer shelf life.
Sterilize bottles
Before storing the liqueur, it is important to sterilize the bottles to ensure hygiene and preserve the quality of the product. To sterilize the bottles, wash them thoroughly in hot, soapy water, rinse well and place on a baking sheet in a low oven to dry completely.
