When we are out and about in early summer, we come across elderberries everywhere. It grows wild in hedges and forests in a white blaze of flowers or adorns our gardens.

Numerous myths and legends surround the sprawling shrub. The cradle and cross of Jesus Christ are said to have been made of elder wood, and it was planted as a house tree to protect against ghosts and lightning. We know it primarily as the basis for numerous delicacies.

Elderberry on the summer drinks menu

In early summer, elderflowers add variety to the drinks menu. The days are longer, it’s warm outside, drinking is the order of the day. Health-conscious people drink water. With this natural source of fluid, we can cover our daily drinking requirement of 1.5 to 2 liters without calories. But sometimes it can be a little more flavorful.

Elderflower syrup for refining mineral water is not only tasty and refreshing, but also healthy. In addition to vitamins, elderflowers contain useful secondary plant substances, activate the metabolism and have a gentle draining effect.

Elderflowers can also strengthen the circulation, help with sleep problems and relieve flatulence. They are also a good household remedy for colds: the essential oils and diaphoretic glycosides contained in elderflowers help to alleviate the symptoms of respiratory infections, dry coughs and feverish colds.

If we add a small dash of elderflower syrup, preferably homemade, to the mineral water, the first liquid boost in the morning is twice as easy. It stimulates the metabolism and ensures a well-hydrated start to the day.

Elderflower syrup has also become a classic summer drink: the Hugo, a drink mix of Prosecco, elderflower syrup and mint. Enjoyed as a sparkling aperitif or to start the evening, Hugo is a special taste experience. If you are health-conscious and avoid alcohol, you can still enjoy the full taste:

For a juicy elderberry cocktail you need:

1.5 l clear, unsweetened apple juice

200 ml elderflower syrup

100 ml lemon juice

1 bottle of sparkling mineral water

Melissa leaves, apple slices and apple blossoms as required

Mix the apple juice with the elderflower syrup and lemon juice and put the mixture in the fridge. The mineral water should also be chilled. Before serving, top up the juice and syrup mixture with the mineral water – either in a large container or in each glass individually. This cold treat is best served in cocktail glasses or wine glasses with lemon balm, apple slices or apple blossoms.

Ice cubes with frozen elderflowers are particularly eye-catching. This way you can enjoy an extra glass or two and do your body some extra good.

Elderflower tea: natural medicine for the summer

If the evenings are cooler, it can be elderflower tea. To do this, pour boiling water over approx. 2 teaspoons of dried elderflowers, cover and leave to infuse for approx. 10 minutes. Not only a delicious hot drink that should only be sweetened very moderately, but also a good remedy for summer flu.

Elderberry tea raises the body temperature slightly and kills viruses more quickly. You should remember to make sure you have enough fluids. If you also drink enough, you also support the blood-purifying and metabolism-stimulating function of elderflower tea. Breakdown products can be better removed if the body is sufficiently hydrated.

When the berries are ripe

The elderberries are ripe from the end of July. More full-bodied in taste than the flower preparations, elderberry juice is a wonder weapon of natural medicine. As a source of vitamins and iron, it is effective against colds when the immune system is under attack and strengthens the body from the inside.

Elderberry juice also provides rapid relief for bladder infections and kidney problems. In addition to the extra fluid, its diuretic and diaphoretic effect helps to flush harmful substances out of the body quickly.

Elderberry also stimulates the production of bronchial secretions, while the abundant vitamin C and vitamins A, B1 and B2 contained in the berries make them a miracle weapon when it comes to getting back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Elderberry miracle

Whether drunk hot or cold, whether it’s the flowers or the berries, elderberry drinks not only provide additional hydration in the warm season, they also help with many ailments and enrich our daily drinking plan. Elderberry drinks not only offer us a wide range of enjoyment options, they also provide us with healthy vitamins and strengthen our immune system.