Now I love a homemade elderflower cordial however I am a huge fan of shrubs and this flower works so well in this drink.
The word “shrub” is derived from the Arabic sharbah, which means “a drink” “sherbet” and “syrup” also come from the Arabic root.
Shrubs are so refreshing, when combined with sparkling water or cocktails, a shrub stimulates your appetite, quenches your thirst and dispenses a quick and energising pick-me-up. Making a shrub is basically a way of preserving. It’s an infused syrup, made with fresh ingredients, fortified with apple cider vinegar and then aged, which develops its complexity and flavour. When freshly brewed, shrubs possess a strong taste of vinegar. However, they are enchanting potions and vinegar is the key to their amazing taste. With time, all of a shrub’s harsh vinegar edges round out and meld with the syrup to make the perfect hybrid of sweet and sour. Shrubs can make for a sophisticated larder staple, especially for people who find syrups too sweet.
Why not try making a seasonal fruit shrub such as strawberry, raspberry or even rhubarb, it is so refreshing!
Elderflower Shrub
Ingredients
- 10-12 Elderflowers stalks removed & check for any bugs and rinse if necessary
- 1 Lemon, unwaxed paired
- 200 g Granulated Sugar
- 150 g Cider Apple Vinegar
- 350 ml boiling water
Instructions
- Pour the water into a large saucepan and add the sugar and lemon rind. Place on the hob and heat slowly on a low setting until the sugar has dissolved. Rinse the flower heads and check for any bugs. Now add the flower heads to the sugar syrup to steep and cool for 12-24 hours.
- After such time strain through a fine sieve and add the apple cider vinegar, pour into a large sterilised kilner jar. Put the jar in the fridge for at least 3 days before drinking. When you're ready to serve fill a glass with a 1/4 full of elderflower shrub and finish with cold sparkling water. Store in the fridge for up to 3 months.
Jenny Hammerton
Hello! I am going to make this today and just wondered…. In your photograph the elderflower and lemon peel is in the kilner jar with the shrub. Do you add them back in after you have strained the mixture?
Louise
Hello Jenny, no you don’t, I just put it in the in the Kilner jar to photograph it whilst it was steeping so you could see it. Sorry to confuse you.
Jenny Hammerton
That’s OK, it looks very pretty in the photo and I guessed as much! Got my elderflowers, I’ll let you know how it turns out xx
Louise
Great, I love this refreshing drink and works so well with rhubarb too.
Kim
I was just wondering if dried flowers would work in this receipt?
Louise
Hi Kim, I don’t honestly know as I’ve never tried I’m afraid.
Daphne Knudson
I’ll be picking the flowers tonight or tomorrow morning. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Louise
Great to hear Daphne!
Silver Screen Suppers
Made this again, I missed the window last year. Love this shrub – so easy to make and super delicious with fizzy water xx
Louise
Hi Jenny, great to hear! I love shrub drinks, especially made from elderflowers.