To begin, you will need to fresh elderflowers. These can typically be found in late spring or early summer when the flowers are in full bloom. It’s important to ensure that you are picking elderflowers and not any other similar-looking , as some can be toxic.
Once you have collected a generous amount of elderflowers, it’s time to start preparing the ingredients. You will need the following:
– 2 pounds (900g) of elderflowers
– 2.5 pounds (1.1kg) of sugar
– 4 lemons
– 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water
– Wine yeast
First, gently rinse the elderflowers to remove any dirt or bugs. Avoid washing them too vigorously, as you don’t want to lose any of their fragrant oils. Once clean, place the flowers in a large bowl or fermentation vessel.
Next, boil the water and dissolve the sugar in it. Pour the sugar water over the elderflowers and zest the lemons directly into the mixture. Cut the lemons in half and squeeze their juice into the bowl as well. Stir everything together.
Now it’s time to let the mixture steep. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it sit for 24 hours. During this time, the flavors of the elderflowers will infuse into the liquid.
After 24 hours, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, discarding the elderflowers and lemon zest. Transfer the strained liquid to a fermentation vessel, leaving a bit of headspace at the top. Sprinkle the wine yeast on top and cover the vessel with an airlock or a clean cloth.
Fermentation will typically take around 7-10 days. During this time, carbon dioxide will be released, so you may see some bubbling. It’s important to keep the vessel in a cool and dark place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Once the bubbling has significantly slowed down or stopped altogether, it’s time to transfer the wine to a secondary fermenter or individual bottles. This will help clarify the wine and remove any sediment. Make sure the vessels or bottles are clean and sterilized before transferring the wine.
The wine should be left undisturbed for at least a month in the secondary fermenter or bottles. During this time, it will continue to clarify and develop its flavors. After a month or longer, your elderflower wine will be ready to enjoy!
When serving elderflower wine, it’s best to chill it beforehand. The flavors of the elderflowers, lemons, and sugar will come together beautifully, creating a sweet and floral wine that is perfect for sipping on warm summer evenings.
Making wine with elderflowers is a delightful and rewarding process. It allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and taste of this wonderful plant. So go ahead, gather some elderflowers, and embark on your journey to create your very own homemade elderflower wine. Cheers!