Delicious Sparkling Elderflower Wine: A Perfect Summer Drink
Fancy a refreshing summer drink that’s light and bubbly? Look no further than this sparkling elderflower wine recipe. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Made from delicate elderflower blooms, this wine has a sweet and floral aroma that’s balanced with the tang of fresh lemon juice. What’s more, by using champagne yeast, you can create an effervescent drink that’s perfect for toasting or pairing with your favorite meals.
Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or just looking for a new cocktail recipe to impress your friends, the sparkling elderflower wine will surely delight everyone’s taste buds. So, let’s gather our ingredients and get to concocting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a refreshing and unique drink to impress your guests this summer, then you need to try this sparkling elderflower wine recipe. This beverage is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and fizzy, making it an ideal drink for any occasion.
First and foremost, this recipe uses all-natural ingredients like honey, lemon, and elderflower sprays. By incorporating these fresh ingredients into your beverage, your drink will have a flavorful taste that cannot be beaten. Additionally, this recipe incorporates a champagne yeast that makes it taste just like the elderflower champagne that you can find in stores.
One of the reasons why this recipe is so convenient is that it is versatile enough to be served as both champagne and wine. Because of its light and refreshing taste, it is best served chilled as an aperitif or paired with light summer dishes such as salads or seafood. It can also be added to cocktails such as St Germain Cocktail Recipes or White Wine Spritzers.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it allows you to make your own homemade elderflower wine easily without any complicated steps. With just a few ingredients such as water, sugar, and elderflower heads, this recipe provides simple instructions for you to make fantastic sparkling wine that rivals store-bought options.
Elderflowers are not only delicious but also packed with amazing health benefits such as boosting your immune system and relieving allergies. Thus, indulging in a glass of sparkling elderflower wine with your friends and families is not only enjoyable but also beneficial for the body.
In conclusion, there are many reasons why you’ll love this sparkling elderflower wine recipe. It’s not only delicious but versatile enough to pair with any food or complement any cocktail. Also, it provides multiple benefits beyond taste by using fresh natural ingredients loaded with health benefits. So try making your own batch today so you can enjoy a cold glass of homemade Sparkling Elderflower Wine all summer long.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we start:
Elderflower Wine Ingredients:
- 8 elderflower florets
- 8 elderflower sprays pared zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 litres water
- 1.5kg sugar
- Champagne yeast 5g sachet or tsp
- Yeast nutrient 5g sachet or tsp
Elderflower Champagne Recipe Ingredients:
- 1.5 litres water
- 500g sugar
- 6-8 heads of elderflower
- 1 lemon juice and pared zest
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Champagne yeast, 4 grams or 1 teaspoon
- 3 tablespoons priming sugar for conditioning (optional)
Remember that sparkling elderflower wine, like other alcoholic drinks, is intended for adult consumption, so keep it away from kids. Also, use organic ingredients whenever possible to avoid any unwanted chemicals in your wine.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients for this delicious Sparkling Elderflower Wine, let’s dive in and learn how to make it!
Step One: Preparing the Elderflower Heads
First thing’s first, we need to prepare the elderflower heads. Start by giving them a gentle shake to remove any debris or bugs. You don’t need to wash them, as this may diminish their delicate flavors.
Next, with a sharp knife, remove any tough stems from the flowers and separate the florets from their stems. We will only be using the white, fragrant flower heads for this recipe.
Step Two: Making the Wine Base
Bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Then, remove from heat and add in 1.8 kilograms of granulated sugar and the grated zest and juice of two lemons. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Once dissolved, stir in 100 milliliters of honey and 50 milliliters of apple cider vinegar. Then add in your prepared elderflower heads and cover the pot with a clean towel.
Leave this mixture to steep for 24 hours at room temperature.
Step Three: Adding Yeast and Fermenting
After 24 hours, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a sterilized container.
Add in a sachet of champagne yeast (around 4 grams) and yeast nutrient (around 5 grams) and stir well.
Pour the mixture into clean wine bottles leaving around one- third space at the top of each bottle. Then add priming sugar by dissolving eight grams of sugar per liter of water (in this case, one liter).
Add this solution to your wine bottles using a small funnel, using just enough sugar water to fill up to just below where your cork or cap will be.
Step Four: Fermentation and Carbonation
Cap or cork your wine bottles and store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat. Allow the elderflower wine to ferment for about two weeks.
Check the bottles every few days, and once there is some resistance when you squeeze the bottle or it feels hard to the touch, you’ll know that it’s now officially carbonated!
Step Five: Serving and Enjoying
Chill your elderflower champagne sparkling wine thoroughly and serve within five months for peak freshness. This sweet, floral delight pairs perfectly with a light salad or fresh fruit sorbet.
Cheers to making your first batch of sparkling elderflower wine!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to spice up the recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make to the traditional sparkling elderflower wine recipe.
Firstly, if you’re vegan or simply prefer not to use honey in your recipes, you can substitute it with agave nectar or maple syrup. This will give the wine a slightly different taste as both ingredients have distinct flavors.
Another substitution you can make is using sparkling water instead of still water. This will add a bit of effervescence to the wine and give it a slightly different mouthfeel.
If you want to elevate the recipe and make it more complex, try adding different fruits such as strawberries or raspberries. You can also experiment with herbs like mint or rosemary for an added earthy flavor.
For those who prefer a sweeter taste, use more sugar than the recipe calls for, but be careful not to overdo it as this can affect the fermentation process.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to create a unique cocktail, try mixing the sparkling elderflower wine with other spirits such as gin or vodka. This will take your cocktail game to a whole new level and impress your guests at your next gathering.
Overall, experimentation is key when making variations of the traditional sparkling elderflower wine recipe. Don’t be afraid to try new things and find what works best for you!
Serving and Pairing
This sparkling elderflower wine recipe creates a beautiful and unique drink that is perfect for any special occasion. The gentle floral notes of the elderflower pair well with light, summery dishes such as salads, grilled chicken or fish, and fruit-based desserts.
When serving this wine, it’s important to make sure it’s chilled so that the bubbles are active and refreshing. You can serve it in champagne flutes or stemless wine glasses to show off its beautiful effervescence.
One of my favorite pairings for this sparkling elderflower wine is a light cheese board with fresh fruit and crackers. The delicate flavors of the elderflower complement soft cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, or camembert exceptionally well. Add some sliced grapes or strawberries to the board for an extra pop of flavor!
If you’re looking for a unique cocktail, try mixing this sparkling elderflower wine with a splash of elderflower liqueur and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This makes a perfect base for a St. Germain cocktail, which can be finished off with some club soda and garnished with a slice of cucumber or sprig of mint.
Overall, this sparkling elderflower wine is an exciting addition to any meal or gathering. It pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes and can be used in several cocktails to create refreshing summer drinks that are sure to impress any guest.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Sparkling Elderflower Wine Recipe is that it can be made-ahead, making it perfect for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. Simply prepare the wine according to the recipe instructions and store it in a cool and dark place until it’s time to serve.
To store leftover sparkling elderflower wine properly, you can transfer it to a sanitized glass bottle with a tight-fitting cork or lid. Make sure not to overfill the bottle as the wine requires some space to continue fermenting. You can refrigerate the bottle of sparkling wine for up to three days.
When reheating the sparkling elderflower wine avoid heating it fast or boiling it since this might cause loss of flavors. Instead, transfer a portion of the wine into a saucepan and warm on a low heat until it reaches desired temperature.
I recommend that you never freeze sparkling elderflower wine because once thawed it will lose its fizziness and the texture will be distorted. The delicate floral taste of elderflowers deserves to stay at its peak, so I suggest you serve this drink fresh.
By following these tips, your guests will be able to enjoy delicious homemade Sparkling Elderflower Wine at any time they choose.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your sparkling elderflower wine comes out perfect, here are some tips that can help you:
1. Use fresh ingredients: It is important to use fresh elderflowers and lemons for the best taste. Also, make sure to clean the flowers well before using them in the recipe.
2. Be precise with measurements: This recipe has specific measurements of ingredients that are needed to make the wine come out just right. Make sure to follow each measurement carefully and not make any substitutions unless absolutely necessary.
3. Use sanitized equipment: Sanitize all of your equipment before you begin the wine-making process. Use warm water and soap to clean all equipment and then rinse it well with hot water.
4. Be patient during fermentation: The fermentation process can take anywhere from a week to a month, depending on the temperature, humidity, and yeast strain you choose. It is important to be patient during this time and not rush the process as the yeast needs time to work its magic.
5. Rack your wine: After fermentation is complete, transfer the wine to a clean container while leaving behind all of the sediment at the bottom of the original container. This process, called “racking,” helps to clarify the wine and removes impurities.
6. Avoid over-carbonation: If you add too much sugar or cork the bottles too soon, they may over-carbonate and create a dangerous situation. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for priming sugar and allow enough time before corking your bottles.
7. Store properly: Store your sparkling elderflower wine in a cool, dark place for at least a few weeks before serving to allow it to mature properly. These conditions will help preserve the freshness of your wine.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious sparkling elderflower wine that’s perfect for any occasion. Cheers!
FAQ
Now that you know how to make sparkling elderflower wine, it’s time for me to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this refreshing drink. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or serving suggestions, I’ve got you covered in this FAQ section. So keep reading to get all the answers you need to make a perfect batch of bubbly elderflower wine.
What makes elderflower champagne fizzy?
Elderflower champagne gets its bubbly character from active yeast that continues to ferment, even after bottling. As a result, refrigerating a bottle that has lost its fizz for a few days will make it effervescent again.
Why isn t my elderflower champagne fizzy?
When dealing with wine production, it is possible to encounter issues such as the absence of bubbles and the growth of mould. In certain regions, the naturally occurring yeast may not be ideal for fermentation, leading to a lack of activity followed by decay. In such cases, it might be necessary to introduce a different yeast strain, and I have found that champagne yeast is a suitable option for this.
How much priming sugar for elderflower champagne?
To ensure the ideal level of carbonation in beer bottles, it is recommended to add a specific amount of table sugar based on the size of each bottle. For a 12-ounce bottle, 4 grams of sugar should be used, while a 16-ounce bottle requires 5.3 grams, and a 22-ounce bottle, commonly known as a bomber, needs 7.4 grams. Following the suggested guidelines can result in a perfectly carbonated brew.
How long will elderflower champagne keep?
To keep the elderflower champagne in good condition, it’s essential to ensure that its bottles are tightly sealed and burped periodically when refrigerated, where it will last for several months. However, the taste of the champagne will become more yeast-like the earlier it’s consumed, making it better to wait for at least two weeks after bottling to enjoy its best flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this sparkling elderflower wine recipe is a must-try for anyone who desires to indulge in a unique and elegant drink. With its exquisite flavor of elderflowers, lemon, honey, and champagne yeast, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any supper.
As a sommelier, I highly recommend this recipe as it offers an undeniably refreshing taste and a delightful fizz that tantalizes the palate. Plus, it can be served with various dishes, including white meat, seafood, or spice-infused meals.
Furthermore, this recipe possesses a remarkable versatility that enables you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Whether you decide to make a variation such as adding elderberry or concocting a cocktail with elderflower liqueur or syrup, you’re sure to experience an unforgettable drinking moment.
In summary, this homemade elderflower champagne recipe is the ultimate summer drink that guarantees to quench your thirst and offer you an unparalleled sipping experience. So why not give it a try and elevate your drinking game? Trust me; you won’t regret making this sparkling elderflower wine recipe at home!
Sparkling Elderflower Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 bunches elderberry flowers (an umbel is a flower cluster all starting from the same point, literally a little umbrella)
- 1 lemon
- 350 ml water
- 8 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 lemon, juice of
Instructions
- Rinse the elderberry flowers- they must be just in bloom.
- Cut the lemon into thin slices and mix with the flowers and the remaining ingredients in a reasonably large container.
- Stir.
- Cover the container and leave in a warm place.
- The juice can be drunk after 24 hours.
- If necessary add lemon and honey to taste.
- After 2-3 days the drink will begin to effervesce.
- Then sieve, put into screwtop bottles and store in a dark room.
- The juice will turn into sparkling wine in around 4 weeks.