Bazový Sirup (Slovak Elderflower Syrup)
Local name: Bazový sirup
In short: A fragrant syrup of elderflowers steeped in lemon sugar water, diluted with cold or sparkling water for a refreshing summer drink. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 30 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 24 h
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 30
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 135 kcal
Bazový sirup is the taste of late spring in Slovakia, when elder bushes bloom along fields and gardens and many households make a batch of cordial. Elderflowers are steeped for a day or two in sugar syrup with lemon, then strained and bottled. A splash in a glass of cold water makes a fragrant drink, and the syrup also flavors desserts, yogurt and spritzers.
Instructions
- Gently shake the elderflower heads to dislodge any insects. Snip off the thick green stalks, which taste bitter, and do not rinse the flowers, as washing removes the pollen and flavor.
- Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a large pot, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat, stir in the citric acid and let the syrup cool completely.
- Put the flowers and lemon slices in a large, clean, food-safe container. Pour over the cooled syrup and press the flowers under the surface with a plate.
- Cover with a clean cloth and leave in a cool place or the fridge for 24 to 48 hours, stirring once or twice.
- Strain the syrup through a fine sieve lined with muslin or a clean tea towel, pressing gently. Discard the flowers and lemon.
- Pour the syrup into clean, sterilized bottles. Keep it in the fridge for up to 1 month, or freeze it for up to 6 months.
- To serve, mix 1 part syrup with 5 or 6 parts cold still or sparkling water. Add ice, a slice of lemon and a mint sprig if you like.
Tips
- Pick the flowers away from busy roads, on a dry, sunny morning when the blossoms are fully open and smell sweet. Use only flowers you can identify with certainty as black elder.
- Freeze extra syrup in ice cube trays and add 2 cubes to a glass of water for a quick drink.
Questions and answers
Can I make elderflower syrup with less sugar?
Less sugar means the syrup spoils faster. If you cut the sugar, keep the syrup in the fridge and use it within 2 weeks, or freeze it in small portions.
How do I know I have the right flowers?
Black elder (Sambucus nigra) has flat-topped clusters of tiny creamy flowers with a sweet, honey-like scent. If you are not sure, ask an experienced local forager or buy dried elderflowers instead.
Can I use dried elderflowers?
Yes. Use about 30 g (1 oz) of dried flowers in place of the fresh heads and steep them for 24 hours. The flavor will be slightly less fragrant.
How long does it take to make Bazový Sirup (Slovak Elderflower Syrup)?
About 35 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bazový Sirup (Slovak Elderflower Syrup)?
About 135 kcal per serving, with 0 g of protein, 34 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 135 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 33 g |
| Sodium | 2 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
