Elderflower Drink & Syrup Guide – Socată, Tips & Storage

Discover how to make traditional Romanian socată and elderflower syrup, plus easy tips for freezing, drying, and enjoying the taste of spring all year.

The Magic of Elder: A Traditional Guide to Elderflowers and Their Refreshing Preparations 🌸

🌸 Elderflower cordial holds a special place in my heart. Just like fir syrup and homemade chocolate, it has a unique, unmistakable flavor—pleasantly aromatic and soothing.

Elder, known as Sambucus nigra, is a cherished plant in Romania and across temperate regions. Found in diverse landscapes—from sprawling plains to mountainous areas—the elder thrives in sunny or semi-shaded spots with fertile, well-drained soils. Its delicate white or off-white flowers begin to bloom in May and June, revealing not only their beauty but also a host of therapeutic properties.

Let’s get personal for a sec: I adore elderflower. Always have. As a kid, socată was the drink of spring—tangy, fizzy, floral—basically, sunshine in a glass. But what really makes it special? That unmistakable aroma—pleasantly sweet and slightly herbal—that fills the air right when spring gets serious about blooming.

I always associate it with quiet mornings, blossoming trees, and the comforting scent of nature waking up. Sure, you can preserve it (syrup, tea, or frozen flowers), but nothing compares to that first fresh batch in May. It’s nature’s version of limited edition. That’s seasonal living at its finest—and proof that some things are worth waiting for.

A person harvesting elderflowers from a wild elder tree in a green forest area

🌼 Elderflower Harvest and Traditional Uses

Habitat & Blooming Season:

Elder grows wild in Romania—from lowland fields to mountain slopes. It blooms in spring (May–June), and the best time to harvest is when 70–80% of the flowers are open. Too early or too late, and the taste can be bitter.

Traditional Preparations:

  • Socată: A slightly fermented, lemony drink with natural fizz
  • Elder Syrup: Sweet and aromatic, perfect for desserts or drinks
  • Herbal Tea: Dried flowers steeped in hot water = calming magic
A rustic kitchen setting with a large glass jar containing elderflowers, lemon slices, and water, on a wooden table in natural sunlight.

🍋 How to Make Socată (Elderflower Soda)

Close-up of freshly harvested elderflowers with tiny white blossoms, used for traditional Romanian socată

Ingredients:

  • 10-12 large, freshly picked elderflowers
  • 4 liters of water
  • 500-600 grams of sugar
  • 2-3 large, preferably organic, lemons
  • Optional: 10-15 rice grains or a few raisins to intensify fermentation

✨ Note: That’s the traditional recipe. I always go lighter on sugar and adjust based on mood and fridge size. This week I made just 1.5 liters with 4 flowers, 1 lemon (half juiced, half sliced), and 80 g sugar.

A top-down view of elderflowers in a glass jar, sliced lemons on a cutting board, and a cup of sugar water

Instructions:

  1. Prep the flowers – Choose clean, fresh blooms. No need to rinse if they’re bug-free (pollen = flavor!)
  2. Prep the lemons – Wash well, slice one, juice the rest.
  3. Dissolve sugar – Mix sugar and water in a glass jar until dissolved.
  4. Combine – Add flowers, lemon slices + juice, and rice/raisins (optional).
  5. Ferment – Cover with cloth or loose lid. Leave in sun 2–3 days. Stir twice daily.
  6. Strain & Bottle – When fizzy and tangy, strain and refrigerate.
  7. Serve – Chilled, with or without ice. Drink within a few days.
A bottle of homemade socată with lemon slices and elderflowers, ready to be served
Traditional elderflower soda in a large glass jar with floating lemon slice and flowers, slowly fermenting.

For larger batches, I often prepare socată the traditional way — in big jars like this one, where the flowers dance on top and magic begins.

🍯 How to Make Elderflower Syrup

Ingredients:

  • 15-20 large, freshly picked elderflowers
  • 2 liters of water
  • 1.5 kg of sugar
  • 2 large, organic lemons
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon of citric acid (to stabilize color and flavor)

Instructions:

  1. Prep the flowers – Rinse gently and shake off water.
  2. Infuse – Place flowers in water with lemon slices (seeds removed). Let sit 24–48h in a cool, dark spot.
  3. Strain – Use cheesecloth or sieve.
  4. Make syrup – Combine liquid with sugar (+ citric acid). Heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Simmer 5–10 min.
  5. Bottle – Pour into sterilized bottles. Cool and store.
  6. Serve – Mix with water (still or sparkling), garnish with lemon or mint.

❄️ Preserving Elderflowers: Freezing & Drying

Fresh elderflowers portioned for homemade socată and storage in freezer bags

Freezing:

  • Pick fresh flowers, shake gently
  • Store in zip bags, air removed
  • Freeze for up to 12 months

Drying:

  • Spread flowers in shade, single layer
  • Let them dry completely
  • Store in paper or glass, away from sun
Fresh elderflowers spread evenly on a mesh drying tray, ready for preserving as herbal tea.

If you want to enjoy elderflower tea all year round, drying the blossoms is essential. I gently spread mine on mesh trays in a warm, airy attic — away from the sun, where they can dry slowly and naturally.

✨ Uses: great for teas or syrup year-round!

🌟 Why Embrace Elder?

Elder isn’t just a wild shrub—it’s a little seasonal miracle. Whether you’re sipping socată, drizzling syrup, or brewing tea, elderflower brings aroma, tradition, and a whole lot of joy. It’s a reminder that spring doesn’t last forever, but its gifts can.

🌿 You Might Also Like

If elderflower season has you daydreaming about gardens, home preserves, or fresh-from-the-earth flavors, you’re in good company. Here are a few more reads that pair beautifully with a glass of socată:

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🥄 Taste traditions. Sip the season. Make it homemade. #SimplifyWithLela 🥄