There’s something quietly magical about elderflower—and this garden-fresh elderflower strawberry lemonade recipe might just be the most delicious way to sip on a bit of that ancient wisdom (without needing a cauldron or a full moon).
Folklore tells us that the elder tree was once watched over by the Elder Mother, a rather stern-sounding spirit who didn’t take kindly to folks chopping her branches without a polite ask. So naturally, when we planted about thirty elder bushes as a hedge, I gave them a respectful nod… and may or may not have muttered a quick apology to thin air. Just in case.
Now those once-small shrubs are bursting with creamy white blossoms each spring, smelling faintly of honey and wild meadows. They make the bees happy, the birds delighted, and me? Well, downright giddy. Every year, I gather a basketful of fresh blooms and turn them into something refreshing and a little indulgent—but still light, clean, and packed with goodness.
This time, I’ve paired the elderflowers with sweet garden strawberries and a handful of cooling mint. The result? A lemonade that tastes like a summer day spent barefoot in the garden. It’s floral and fruity, with just enough zing to keep it interesting—like the botanical equivalent of a raised eyebrow.
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Why You’ll Love This Elderflower Strawberry Lemonade (and What It’s Doing for Your Body)
This isn’t just your average lemonade. It’s a drink that feels like a treat but works like a tonic. Every year, when the elderflowers bloom like clouds in our hedgerow and the strawberries blush in the garden beds, this recipe becomes my seasonal go-to. Light, lovely, and just the right side of virtuous, it’s what I imagine fairies would drink after a long day in the sun.
And here’s the real magic—it’s not just tasty, it’s doing good things for your insides too. Let’s give each ingredient a little moment in the spotlight:
Elderflowers – Gentle Detox & Immune Support
These delicate white blossoms aren’t just for show—they’ve been used for centuries in herbal medicine as a remedy for fevers, colds, and inflammation. Elderflower is known as a diaphoretic, which means it helps stimulate gentle sweating—supporting the body’s natural detox processes, especially when you’re fighting off a bug or just feeling a bit sluggish. It’s also anti-inflammatory and mildly antiviral, thanks to flavonoids and phenolic compounds that help protect your cells from oxidative stress. Think of it as your floral first-aid friend—gentle, but effective.
Plus, in traditional European folk medicine, elderflower was thought to protect the home and ward off illness when planted around the boundaries of the garden. So when you sip this lemonade, you’re drinking a bit of old-world wisdom—straight from the hedge.
Strawberries – Antioxidants, Gut Support & Glowy Skin
Don’t let their sweetness fool you—strawberries are serious nutritional powerhouses. They’re rich in vitamin C, which helps support collagen production, giving your skin that glowy, sun-kissed look from the inside out. They also contain ellagic acid, which is being studied for its anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.
But it doesn’t stop there. Strawberries are high in soluble fibre, which helps support gut health, balance blood sugar, and keep things moving along happily in the digestive department. And let’s be honest—biting into your own garden-grown strawberry is basically summer in a moment. Packed with polyphenols and low in sugar, they’re a smart, sweet addition to any drink.
Mint – Digestive Aid, Cooling Herb, Mood Booster
If elderflower is the healer and strawberry is the sweetheart, then mint is the refreshing cheerleader of this mix. Traditionally used to ease bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort, mint works by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. That means fewer tummy rumbles and more happy sips. It’s also antimicrobial and rich in rosmarinic acid, which can help calm allergic responses and inflammation.
On a hot day, mint’s natural menthol content creates a gentle cooling effect, both in the body and on the tongue. And as a little bonus? The scent of mint has been shown to boost alertness and mood, making it a perfect companion for a sunny day when you’re feeling a bit wilted.
Lemon – Alkalising, Liver-Loving, and Zingy
Lemons might be tart, but they’re nutritional sweethearts. Full of vitamin C, they give your immune system a little nudge while acting as a natural preservative in the lemonade. Lemons are also alkalising in the body, helping to balance internal pH and support detox pathways—especially the liver.
They’re gently diuretic, which encourages your body to flush out excess water and waste, and they can enhance iron absorption when combined with other plant-based ingredients. The bright citrus zing also helps lift all the floral and fruity notes into something truly refreshing.
Foraging Tips for Elderflower
(and Safety Notes)
Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a generous plant—bursting with creamy blossoms that practically hum with midsummer magic. But before you go skipping into the hedgerow with your basket, it’s crucial to know what you’re picking. Elderflowers have a few unmistakable features once you know what to look for.
You’ll find elder growing as a woody shrub or small tree, often at the edges of fields, in hedgerows, or near old farm buildings. It has distinctive, compound leaves—meaning one leaf is actually made up of 5–7 serrated leaflets that grow opposite each other on a single stem. The bark is light brown to grey and a bit corky or spongy to the touch, especially on older branches.
The flower heads are flat-topped, umbrella-shaped clusters (called umbels) made up of hundreds of tiny five-petaled white to creamy blossoms. They should smell sweet and floral—never musty or foul.
Here’s where you need to be careful: elderflower is not the same as cow parsley, hemlock, or hogweed, which also produce umbrella-shaped flower heads. The difference?
- Those imposters grow from herbaceous stems, not woody branches.
- Their leaves are feathery or fern-like, not compound like elder’s.
- Hemlock especially has purple blotches on a smooth green stem, and a smell that’s often described as “mousey” or just plain nasty.
When in doubt, consult a foraging guide or app, and never eat anything you’re unsure about.
✅ Foraging Dos & Don’ts
- Only harvest fully open, creamy white elderflowers. Avoid brown or wilted ones.
- Never wash elderflowers—just gently shake or snip bugs off.
- Harvest on dry mornings, away from roads or sprayed areas.
- Know your plant: elderflower comes from the Sambucus nigra tree (not to be confused with cow parsley or hemlock).
Foraging Gear You’ll Want to Have On Hand
Foraging doesn’t need to be complicated, but the right tools make it a joy. I like to keep a small kit handy in the boot of the car (just in case something floral catches my eye on the school run). Here’s what I’d recommend:
- A traditional-style foraging basket or cloth bag – breathable, so your blooms don’t go mushy
- Sharp herb Knive or snips – for a clean cut and less damage to the plant
- A lightweight field guide – something you can toss in your pocket for on-the-go ID
- Glass jars with lids – if you’re harvesting more than just flowers (great for infused vinegars later)
- A sun hat and long sleeves – elderflower grows where nettles love to hide!
Elderflower Strawberry Lemonade – the recipe
Elderflower Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 8 Elderflower heads shaken off, not washed
- 150 g Strawberries hulled and sliced
- 12 g fresh Mint leaves
- 120 ml Lemon juice fresh, about 3-4 lemons
- 80-100 g Maple syrup or honey I started with 80 and added to taste
- 1 l Water filtered or Spring water
- 50 ml Sparkling water (optional) for a bit of fizz
- Ice and extra Strawberries and mint to serve
Instructions
Infuse the elderflowers:
- Place the elderflower heads in a large jug or bowl. Pour over half the water (warmed, not boiling—around 40–50°C / 104–122°F) to gently extract flavor. Let sit for 1–2 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
Prepare the strawberries:
- Blend or muddle with lemon juice until juicy. Strain if desired for a smoother drink.
Combine:
- Strain elderflower infusion, add it to a large jug with the strawberry-lemon juice mix. Add fresh mint leaves, sweetener, and remaining water.
Chill & Serve:
- Pour over ice, garnish with mint sprigs, strawberry slices, or an extra elderflower or two if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Variations & Serving Suggestions:
- Add sparkling water or kombucha for a fizzy version.
- Freeze into ice pops or pour into molds with strawberry slices.
- Use it as a base for cocktails (a splash of gin or elderflower liqueur is chef’s kiss).
- Make it in a big jar for summer parties or solstice gatherings.
A Floral Farewell (But Just for Now)
There’s something quietly enchanting about wandering out with a basket and coming back with the makings of something this lovely. Elderflower, with its cloudlike blooms and ancient presence, feels like a gentle nudge from nature herself—reminding us to slow down, sip something floral, and just be.
This Strawberry Elderflower Lemonade is one of those drinks that makes people pause mid-sip and go, “Wait, what’s in this?”—and then ask for a second glass. It’s refreshing, yes, but it’s also nourishing in that deeply satisfying way that only something homemade and seasonal can be. Whether you’re bottling it up for a picnic, clinking glasses in the garden, or just rewarding yourself after a bit of weeding, it’s got that subtle kind of magic that turns a Tuesday into a celebration.
And if you’re still on a floral kick—and really, why stop now?—you’ll love my Dandelion Lemonade recipe. It’s another one from the hedgerow that hits the same sweet spot between tradition and treat.
So here’s to foraging baskets, floral potions, and drinks that smell like June. I hope this one becomes a seasonal favourite in your home, just as it has in ours. And next time you’re passing an elder hedge in bloom—don’t just walk by. Say hello, snip a few blooms (respectfully), and let the wild joy of homemade lemonade carry you away.