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 in Edinburgh.
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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! It’s wonderful on a hot day!
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
A homemade/copycat version of Thistly Cross elderflower flavored cider from Scotland.
Ingredients
- 1 or 2 Tbsp elderflower cordial or San Germain liqueur
- 1 bottle hard apple cider
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 Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 231Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 13mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 1gSugar: 37gProtein: 0g
Nutrition ingredients are not valid due to the variance of ingredients.
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We have loads of brands of elderberry syrup here in this part of Australia, including Belvoir. We also have someone local who makes her own from elderberries that she grows. Also lucky enough to live near a fantastic Cidery, so pretty excited to try this.
Lucky you, Angela! Sounds like a match made in heaven!
Hi all,
If you live in Australia, you will find the belvoir elderflower cordial in your local safeway supermarket for $6.00
I used to go to a cider bar in London that had a ton of different types of hard cider….I love it and wish we had cider bars here!
I bet it would be packed here in LA!
Thanks for the info about elderflower syrup! While I don’t like cider (or any bubbly drink, save an occasional Venetian spritz), I can think of all sorts of uses for this! Love Saint Germain (and it’s bottle!), too!
Oooh, yes! Lots of ways to incorporate the elderflower syrup into many recipes! Happy to spread the word! :)
This looks so refreshing. And it has a lovely color as well. Just the thing for sipping on the back porch if you don’t have a local pub to go to…
Or for people like me who don’t like beer! :) Thanks, Frank!
I get my Elderflower syrup on Amazon. I tried 2 different brands and both are delicious! I just pour mine over ice & add cold water for a refreshing summer drink.
Lovely stuff! Don’t know why it’s not more popular in the US, especially where it grows!
What a clever idea! I can’t wait to try this with San Germain!
Yay! Thanks, Cathy!
Looks so refreshing! Found the elderflower syrup on Amazon. Love your recipes, Christina!
Thanks so much, Sue! Yes, I included a link to the syrup on the recipe. :) Enjoy! Have you traveled anywhere this year?