Elderflower Cider: Can’t find it? Make It at Home, Two Ways
Elderflower cider is a lightly flavored, refreshing drink, but very difficult (if not impossible) to find in the US. Have no fear, I’ve discovered a way to make Elderflower cider, two different ways!
When I flew to Scotland to help move my daughter to St. Andrews for her study abroad program a few years ago, I took her out for dinner one evening at Deacon Brody’s on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We had some lovely Cullen skink, Scotch broth and chips, but the most memorable thing about our meal was the cider that Denisa ordered. It was Thistly Cross elderflower cider. We both loved it!
We loved it enough to take a picture of the bottle! Alas, there’s no Thistly Cross to be found in the US. However, the other day I came across a bottle of Belvoir elderflower syrup and realized I had hard cider so I experimented and was so happy with my first try!
Elderflower Cider using Elderflower Cordial/Syrup
Just add one or two tablespoons of the elderflower cordial to a large glass (depending on how strong you want the flavor of elderflower).
Add ice if desired (my cider was warm and it was a super hot day, so I did add some ice, which I usually don’t do). Then pour in your favorite hard cider and stir.
That’s it, one of the easiest beverages you’ll ever make!
It’s wonderful on a hot day, much like a British shandy.
Let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed either drink!
Elderflower Cider using San Germain Liqueur
The other option is to use San Germain elderflower liqueur in your cider. I wouldn’t add ice to this version, but do use a cold cider. Add one to two tablespoons (we’ll avert our eyes if you want to add more) of the liqueur and stir.
Here’s a similarly flavored Hugo spritz for you to try, too!
I hope you enjoy this elderflower cider as much as my daughter and I do, and if you give it a try, let me know what you think! Enjoy!
Elderflower Cider: Can't find it? Make It at Home, Two Ways
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp elderflower cordial or 2 Tbsp (or use San Germain liqueur)
- 11 oz apple cider hard/alcoholic
Instructions
- Add the cordial or liqueur to a glass.
- Add the cider and stir.
Notes
- You can do this with apple juice, too! Kids will love the sweetness of the elderflower.
Nutrition
If you’re lucky enough to be able to source elderflower, here’s a recipe for rhubarb, rose and elderflower jellies from Janice at Farmer Girl’s Kitchen in Scotland!
PIN FOR LATER
Christina’s Cucina is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
This same cider was the best part of my trip to Scotland as well, and I have a similar picture of it on my phone! I’ve been pining over it since 2019, and even saved a bottle to drink at my wedding 6 months after my trip. For a couple of years, I was able to find Thistly Cross Whisky Cask in the US, but never the Elderflower! I’m really looking forward to trying this, thanks for the idea!
Oh how funny, Hana! However, I can completely understand though! Yes, I do think you’ll enjoy this copycat version. Let me know!