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Fresh Sparkling Elderflower Lemonade with Thyme

fresh sparkling elderflower lemonade with thyme - featured image
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A light, fragrant, and refreshing summer drink combining the delicate floral notes of elderflower with tart lemon and an herbaceous hint of thyme, perfect for warm afternoons and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6–8 large clusters fresh elderflower heads, gently rinsed (or 1/4 cup elderflower cordial)
  • 3–4 fresh thyme sprigs, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)
  • 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, adjust to taste (can substitute with honey or agave syrup)
  • 4 cups (1 liter) chilled sparkling water
  • Ice cubes as needed
  • Lemon slices for garnish, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Steep the elderflowers: Pour 2 cups (16 fl oz) boiling water over fresh elderflower heads in a heatproof bowl. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Skip if using elderflower cordial.
  2. Strain the infusion: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove elderflower bits, pressing gently to extract liquid. Set aside to cool completely (about 10 minutes).
  3. Prepare the lemon syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar with 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Add thyme: Lightly bruise 3 thyme sprigs by tapping with a spoon. Add to cooled elderflower infusion and steep for 10 minutes. Remove thyme sprigs after steeping.
  5. Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix elderflower-thyme infusion, lemon syrup, and remaining 2 cups (16 fl oz) chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to combine without losing fizz.
  6. Adjust sweetness and chill: Taste and add a teaspoon of sugar or honey if desired. Stir until dissolved. Add plenty of ice cubes to chill before serving.
  7. Serve: Pour into glasses over fresh ice, garnish with lemon slice and sprig of thyme.

Notes

Do not oversteep thyme to avoid bitterness. Add sparkling water last and stir gently to preserve fizz. Adjust sweetness after mixing to taste. Store leftover lemonade in fridge up to 2 days; add sparkling water fresh before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: elderflower lemonade, sparkling lemonade, thyme lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, herbal lemonade, non-alcoholic drink

Find it online: https://lemonydrinks.com/fresh-sparkling-elderflower-lemonade-with-thyme-recipe-easy-and-refreshing-summer-drink/