Elderflower Recipes

Elderflower Cordial

The classic Irish preparation — cooling, fragrant, and deeply Pitta-balancing. At Dronagiri’s altitude, the flowers arrive later and fuller. Use them at their peak — fully open but before the scent turns sharp.

Servings 20

INGREDIENTS

• 20 large elderflower heads, fully open
• 1 liters water
• 700 grams granulated sugar or raw cane sugar
• 2 unwaxed lemons, sliced into rounds
• 25 grams citric acid (optional — acts as natural preservative)

STEPS

Prepare the flowers: Shake 20 large elderflower heads, fully opengently to remove any insects — do not wash, as you’ll lose the pollen and much of the fragrance. Strip away as much of the thick green stem as possible; the stems can make the cordial bitter

Make the syrup: Bring 1 liters water to the boil in a large pan. Add 700grams granulated sugar or raw cane sugar and stir until completely dissolved. Remove from the heat

Steep: Add the elderflower heads, 2 unwaxed lemons, sliced into rounds, and 25 grams citric acid (optional — acts as natural preservative) if using. Stir gently, cover with a clean cloth, and leave to steep at room temperature for 30 -60 minutes 

. The longer the steep, the more pronounced the flavour

Strain and bottle: Strain through a fine muslin cloth or jelly bag into sterilised bottles. Do not press the flowers — let it drip naturally for a clearer cordial. Seal and store in the fridge for up to 6 weeks, or freeze in smaller quantities to use through the year.5

To serve: Dilute approximately 1 part cordial to 8–10 parts cold or sparkling water. A slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint works beautifully.

NOTES

Ayurvedic note: Cooling and Pitta-pacifying. Best taken diluted and cool — not iced, as very cold drinks dampen Agni. Kapha types should use sparingly due to the sugar content. For a lower-sugar version, reduce sugar to 400g and use within 2 weeks.

Dronagiri tip: Because your flowers arrive later at altitude, they tend to be fuller and more fragrant than lowland elder. Your cordial will likely be more aromatic — you may find you need to dilute slightly more than the recipe suggests.

Elderflower Medicinal Tea

The simplest and most direct Ayurvedic preparation. No sugar, no additives — just the flower and water. This is the everyday medicine, the one worth reaching for during hayfever season, when congestion lingers, or when the body feels heavy and overheated.

Servings 1

INGREDIENTS

• 2 fresh elderflower heads (or 1 tsp dried elderflower)
• 300 milliliters hot water — just off the boil, not a rolling boil
• 1 teaspoons raw honey (optional — add only once cooled slightly)
• 0.5 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (optional — add if digestion is sluggish)

STEPS

Prepare: Place 2 fresh elderflower heads (or 1 tsp dried elderflower)in a cup or small teapot. If using fresh flowers, remove as much green stem as possible

Steep: Pour 300 milliliters hot water — just off the boil, not a rolling boil over the flowers. Cover the cup with a saucer to keep the volatile oils from escaping with the steam. Steep for 5–6 minutes 06:00

Strain and finish: Strain into a cup. Add 1 teaspoons raw honey (optional — add only once cooled slightly) only once the tea has cooled slightly — never add honey to boiling liquid in Ayurveda, as heat alters its properties. Add 0.5 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (optional — add if digestion is sluggish) if using

Drink: Sip slowly while warm. Best taken in the morning, or at the first sign of congestion or hayfever symptoms. Can be taken once or twice daily through the elderflower season.

NOTES

Ayurvedic note: Covering the cup while steeping is important — the therapeutic volatile oils are carried in the steam. Let none of them escape. This tea is suitable for Pitta and Kapha types. Vata types can use it occasionally but should balance with something warming like fresh ginger (included as optional above).

For the sauna: Make a stronger infusion using 6–8 flower heads in 500ml of water, steep for 15 minutes, then add the strained liquid to the water you pour over the sauna stones. The heat will carry the elderflower aromatics into the steam.