Sparkling Iced Elderflower Lemonade
Cold-brewed elderflower mixed with fresh lemon and sparkling water—a fragrant, muscat-floral summer cooler that tastes like a garden in a glass.
This sparkling iced elderflower lemonade captures the flower's honeyed, muscat-like fragrance in a refreshing summer drink. Cold-brewing keeps the floral notes bright and clean, while fresh lemon and a splash of sparkling water make it crisp and lively. Only the flowers are used — never the elder's stems, leaves, or unripe berries, which are toxic.
Cold-brewing is the secret. Steeping elderflower in cold water overnight draws out its delicate perfume without any bitterness, giving you a smooth, fragrant base that tastes far cleaner than a hot brew chilled over ice.
A little honey or elderflower cordial sweetens the drink and amplifies its floral character, while plenty of fresh lemon keeps it from feeling cloying. Topping it with sparkling water at the last moment adds a festive, effervescent lift.
Serve this in tall glasses over ice on a warm afternoon, garnished with lemon slices and fresh mint. It is the kind of drink that makes a backyard feel like a European garden party.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp dried elderflower blossoms (or 3 tea bags)
- 2 cups cold water (for cold brew)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp honey or elderflower cordial
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- Lemon slices and fresh mint, to garnish
- Ice cubes
How to make it
- 1Cold-brew: place the elderflower in the cold water, cover, and refrigerate 8–12 hours.
- 2Strain through a fine sieve, pressing gently, and discard the blossoms.
- 3Stir the honey or elderflower cordial and the lemon juice into the cold-brewed infusion until dissolved.
- 4Fill tall glasses with ice, pour in the elderflower-lemon mix to two-thirds full, then top with chilled sparkling water.
- 5Garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint, and serve immediately.
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