Elderflower Recipes & Foraging Tips: How to Use This Spring Blossom

Elderflower season is a true highlight. With its delicate white blossoms and heady floral scent, elderflower adds a magical touch to drinks and desserts. But how do you find it? And what can you make with it in your kitchen? In this article, we explore how to forage elderflower safely—and how to cook with it creatively.

Where Can I Find Elderflower?

Look for elder trees along hedgerows, woodland edges, or quiet country paths. Choose a location away from polluted roads. Once you know how to spot them, you'll see elderflowers everywhere!

Is It Safe to Forage Elderflower?

Yes, but with care. Follow these tips:

  • Only pick fresh, fully opened blossoms (they smell strongest in the morning)
  • Avoid trees near traffic or pesticides
  • Never use elder berries or leaves raw—they can be toxic unless prepared properly
  • Always use a foraging guide or app if you're unsure
Elderflower Syrup No Citric Acid Recipe by In cucina con Sofia
I was lucky to pick some of the last elderflower blossoms this morning just around the corner from my house and I made some syrup for a couple of recipes. Here is added to some water for a refreshing drink. Citric acid is used to preserve this longer and is available at pharmacies. I didn’t use it i…

What Can I Cook with Elderflower?

Elderflower is versatile in both sweet and savory dishes. Its light floral taste pairs well with citrus, berries, herbs, and even cheese.

Here are some inspiring ways to use elderflowers in your kitchen:
Elderflower cordial – simmer with sugar, lemon, and water for a fragrant syrup

Elderflower Cordial Recipe by Sally Strong
#mycookbook It’s the perfect time of year to make elderflower cordial, sweet and tart, it’s the most refreshing drink and a lot easier to make than you realise. Don’t wince at that sugar content, remember cordial is diluted when served! Citric acid is used in making preserves like jam. It’s also use…

Elderflower lemonade – mix cordial with sparkling water and mint

Watermelon Elderflower Lemonade Recipe by Wa
Fresh summer drink

Elderflower cake – adds a sophisticated twist

Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe by Ghady Azar
Great recipe for Lemon drizzle cake.

Fried elderflowers – dip clusters in a light batter and fry for a unique snack

Gf Elderflower Fritters Recipe by Clare Knivett
Elderflower comes from the Elder tree which flowers in May and June across the UK. The flowers are very fragrant and are traditionally used to make elderflower cordial and elderflower wine or champagne. Pick on a sunny day, choosing flower heads that have fully bloomed 💚

Elderflower ice cubes – freeze blossoms into ice cubes for cocktails and drinks

Gin And Elderflower Cocktail Recipe by nicolehooper
#mycookbook

Can I Dry or Preserve Elderflowers?

Absolutely! Elderflowers can be dried for later use in teas or infused into vinegars and syrups. To dry, hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space. Once dried, store in an airtight jar.

Field Of Vision Recipe by Laura
I have to thank Dr James Caleb Jackson for inventing ‘granula’ in 1863. He worked in the Jackson Sanitarium ‘Our Home on the Hillside’ in New York. Granola has been a staple of many homes since, often revived, but still with a base of baked (unlike its counterpart muesli) oats and fruits. This grano…

Elderflower FAQs

Can I cook elderflower without sugar? - Yes. While elderflower is often sweetened, you can also infuse it into vinegar or olive oil for savory use.

Is elderflower good for health? - Elderflower is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, though scientific evidence is limited. Enjoy it in moderation.

‘Mocktail Lemongrass Gin And Tonic’ Recipe by Yui Miles
I feel so honoured to be asked to create a non alcohol mock tail drink menu to be serve with my Vegan Thai green curry at Curry for change charily event to pair up with my vegan thai green curry. It’s refreshing delicious!! Here is the recipe to share with you .. 🍸💚 #festivecookbook1 #onerecipeone…

Key Tips for Cooking with Elderflower

  • Use only fresh or properly dried blossoms
  • Combine with citrus for best flavor balance
  • Don’t overheat—too much cooking dulls the delicate aroma
  • Strain well to remove any tiny insects or green stems
Elderflower Syrup Recipe by Kristina K
In June you can find blooming elder everywhere here. In parks, gardens or at forest borders. I love the fragrance of the umbels and they make a very fine syrup. When I go out to collct the umbels I make shure not to harvest the whole bush but to only pick three to four umbels per bush. I am very luc…

Why You Should Try Cooking with Elderflower

Foraging elderflower and using it in your recipes connects you with the season and local landscape. It’s a way to add something wild, fresh, and floral to your cooking—without spending much. Whether you're mixing up cordial or baking a cake, elderflower adds a little magic to your kitchen.

Find your favourite elderflower recipe on Cookpad, or share your own!

34 easy and tasty elderflower recipes by home cooks
Huge variety of great elderflower recipes published by home cooks like you!