June is the month when elderberry flower’s bloom and they are so fun to use in recipes for the summer! There is also still medicinal properties to the flowers just like the berries so they are great to use! Read on to learn a little more about them and how to make a delicious refreshing lemonade with them!

There is something magical and whimsical about elderberry flowers blossoming white all around our property. The flowers are so tiny and delicate and they have a lovely honey-like aroma. When picked right after they open with the pollen intact they give a beautiful aromatic flavor when infused into lemonade or syrup, etc. This time I made some lemonade with them and it was quite delicious!

My helpers Buddy and Chili the donkey joined me on my elderberry picking adventure!

We have some massive bushes and I am excited to see all the actual berries soon! When you gather the flowers be sure to leave some behind so you can use the berries later too!

Elderberry flowers have been shown to help relieve allergy symptoms as well as help with the common cold and flu so stock up and make some of this lemonade and get healthy this summer!

A friend sent me these gorgeous lace pieces to try and and I am obsessed! I love how delicate and unique they are! You can see her work on INSTAGRAM @londonofsandhills

ELDERBERRY FLOWER LEMONADE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

20 elderberry heads

4 lemons

1/2 cup honey

4 cups of water

4 cups sparkling water

Crushed ice

Blueberries to garnish

DIRECTIONS

Gently remove flowers from stems, do not shake as this will disperse the pollen and lessen their flavor

In a medium pan heat water, honey, and lemon juice ( You may also add some of the lemon peels after squeezing the juice out )

Stir until honey is dissolved, add 1/2 of the elderberry flowers and bring to a low boil

Let boil for about 20 min then turn off.

Place liquid in a glass jar along with the rest of the elderberry flowers

Let sit for 24-48 hours. This allows it to seep and the flowers to infuse their flavor. Stir every day or so. You can leave this mixture up to 4 days before using.

Once ready pour into 4 equal 8 oz jars to serve.

Fill with ice and finish with sparkling water and blueberry garnish

Serves 4

Refreshing and so good for you!