Elderflower champagne—also known as elderflower sparkling—is a refreshing, effervescent drink crafted from fresh elderflowers and simple natural ingredients.
This straightforward recipe yields impressive results at home, with no special equipment needed.
The main timing consideration: harvest elderflowers during their short season in May and June, when these creamy white, umbrella-shaped clusters thrive in the wild.
Master this trusted elderflower champagne recipe, and watch your friends rave about your homemade brew.
- 10 elderflower heads (from black elder)
- 5 liters of water
- 350 g cane sugar
- 3 organic lemons
- 1 strainer
- 1 large salad bowl
- 1 lid
- 1 funnel
- Empty bottles
1. Gently remove stems from the elderflowers—they're bitter and can affect taste.
2. Place flowers in a large salad bowl.
3. Pour water over them.
4. Squeeze lemons and add juice to the bowl.
5. Stir in the sugar.
6. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon.
7. Cover with a tea towel.
8. Set in a bright spot.
9. Let macerate 2-5 days for fermentation, stirring daily.
10. It's ready when it smells yeasty or shows slight bubbles.
11. Strain through a fine strainer into a clean container.
12. Bottle using a funnel in valve-capped bottles.
13. Store in light for at least a week to build carbonation.
Your elderflower champagne is ready to enjoy! Quick, affordable, and sulfite-free with low alcohol content.
Serve ice-cold for maximum refreshment—it's a fantastic cider alternative.
Elder grows wild in countryside edges, woodlands, hedges, and untended areas.
Steer clear of roadsides or sprayed fields to ensure purity.
- Hot weather speeds fermentation to 2 days; cooler takes up to 5.
- Leave 3-4 cm headspace in bottles.
- Repurposed lemonade bottles work great.
- Sunlight boosts carbonation if weather permits.
- Store chilled for 6-8 months.
- Enjoy in moderation—elderflower has mild laxative effects.
Elderflowers offer versatile uses: extend fermentation for vinegar, or make syrups, sauces, wine, or lemonade flavoring.
Black elderberries suit jellies, jams, and syrups.
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, elder helps with colds, sore throats, and allergies.
Even as a garden manure, it repels moles.
