Steep elderflowers and sugar in vodka to make this delicious summer Elderflower vodka, reminiscent of an English garden. Naturally Gluten Free and a low carb Keto Friendly cocktail
Elderflower Vodka
Have you ever wondered how to make elderflower vodka? It’s actually very simple. There are some expenisve ready-made liqueures available, but its so easy to make that the only real difficulty is remembering to find the time to go and pick fresh elderflowers.
Elderflower blooms can be found between the end of May and June, with the exact dates being very weather dependent; this year the elderflowers were coming into full bloom towards the end of May. This was a full month earlier than in 2010 when I made my cordial on Midsummer’s Day, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your favourite spots to see how the flowers are coming along.
As with all foraged foods, it’s best to pick from a sheltered area, away from sources of pollution like a busy road, but do make sure you have the necessary permissions to forage where required. Considerate foragers don’t strip the plant bare, but leave some for the next person. This isn’t really a problem with elderflowers, as the plant is normally groaning with flowers.
Image FabFood4All
Elderflowers are best picked in the morning, when they are still fresh and fragrant before the heat of the sun has got onto the flowers . Don’t seal the blooms in a plastic bag, as they’ll sweat and turn brown and be unusable. Also, don’t pick the stalks, just snap off the flowerhead. Finally, do make sure you’re picking elderflowers and not cow-parsley; they do look very similar!
This barely counts as a recipe: just place the flowers in a large jar, add the sugar, lemon zest and vodka, and give it a shake. Then, as with making sloe gin, pop it into a dark cupboard and let it get on with it. Giving it a shake every now and then helps to dissolve the sugar. After a couple of months, strain it through a muslin cloth to remove the elderflowers; it then benefits from a further period to mature.
There are so many ways to enjoy elderflower vodka. Chilled on it’s own as a after dinner digestive, or as the base for a cocktail. How about white wine, chilled fizzy water and ice? Or come up with your own concoction.
Elderflower Vodka {Gluten Free and Keto}
Ingredients
- 10 small elderflower heads
- 75 g sugar ((according to taste))
- 1/2 lemon zest
- 1000 ml vodka
Instructions
- It is best to gather the elderflower first thing in the morning when it is still highly scented. Give each bloom a good shake to get rid of any insects.
- Loosely pack the flowers into a wide mouthed jar until it is full, add the lemon zest and sugar. Top up with the vodka.
- Tightly screw the lid on and give a good shake to dissolve the sugar. Leave in a dark place to infuse for 4 – 6 weeks until it is a pale yellow colour.
- Strain through a muslin cloth into a clean bottle and leave to mature and mellow for 2 months – you can drink it straight away, but it is better left for a while. Dilute and add more sugar to your personal taste.
Notes
- This recipe is 2 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion
Nutritional information is per 25ml measure.
Once you’ve picked your elderflowers, don’t only make vodka. Home made cordial is equally simple, and it’s also a great flavouring for an easy no churn ice cream, and the flowers are delicious in a salad too!
Originally published June 2011, updated June 2017.
A Trifle Rushed
Snap! I did the same last month. How long do you plan to leave the Elderflowers in? Jude
Helen
They were in for 5 or 6 weeks I think.
Margaret
I always see elderflower heads at inconvenient times! This is such a wonderful way to use them.
Gail
Ooh, so when is it ready to drink?
Helen
It is pretty good now, but will be much smoother in two months!
Katie
My mother used to make elderflower wine. I remember going out on a Sunday to pick the flowers along the roads up in the hills above our house.
Aga Girls
How brown did you flowers go?
Helen
Very. Looked quite horrible.
Camilla Hawkins
This vodka sounds lush Helen:-)
Emma Taylor
Love the idea of adding the flavour of garden to your drink. Something rather wonderful about foraging for the flowers and making something of your own.
Kitty Laurie
Elderflowers always remind me of Mary Berry. I always mean to pick and use them, I see loads on my regular dog march. Really must try something out this year. Sounds delicious.
Donna G
Loving the idea of flavoured vodka. I imagine it is lovely and refreshing with a tonic and ice.
Wendy M
I have to make some of this, it sounds divine. So easy and simple.
Dean Turnbill
Making your own liqueurs is a great way to impress your guests at a cocktail party. This fits the bill perfectly. Very classy.
Naomi
We made this last year and can’t wait to go foraging again for some more. It is so delicious with the delicate flavour of the Elderflowers.
Harriet
My Grandmother used to make elderflower cordial, I used to help her. Always reminds me of sitting in her garden.
Pamela
Love the idea of foraging for the flowers. I had no idea it would be so easy to make your own flavoured vodka. Brilliant.
zoe tait
I used to go on a great dog walk where I could find loads of undisturbed elderflowers. But we moved and I need to find a new source. Would really love to make this.
Indie Punton
I actually remembered to pick the elderflowers this summer, and we have made some of this delicious vodka. Yet to try it, as it’s all bottled up now. Looking forward to enjoying.
Samantha
We started making flavoured vodkas last year, actually tried Skittle vodka. which was fun. Love the idea of more natural flavours like this.
Anna-Lisa
Looks lovely! Do you need the sugar for a certain chemical process or can I just use a sugar substitute to lower the carb count?
Helen
I really don’t know – I’ve no experience of sugar substitutes.