Summer is a time for elderflower liqueur. The floral, sweet taste is perfect for sipping on a hot day or mixing into cocktails.
But what do you do if you’re all out of elderflower liqueur and don’t want to run to the store?
You could make your own, but that takes time. Or you could try one of these substitutes that will give your cocktails the same delicious flavor.
Substitutes for Elderflower Liqueur:
- Elderflower syrup
- Berry-based liqueur
- St. Elder
- Elderflower lemonade
- Lychee liqueur
- Fruit & elderberry juice
- JJ Whitley elderflower gin
- Rosewater
- Homemade elderflower liqueur
Elderflower syrup
Elderflower syrup is a fantastic substitute for elderflower liqueur in cocktails and other drinks. It has a unique taste that is both sweet and floral, and its beautiful aroma adds a touch of elegance to any drink.
It is also relatively easy to prepare, and it can be made with either fresh or dry elderflowers. To make the syrup, mix lemons, sugar, water, and elderflowers and let it sit for up to 5 days.
Elderflower syrup can be used in a variety of recipes, including Elderflower cordial, Elderflower fizz, and Elderflower cheesecake. The next time you are looking for a unique ingredient to add to your cocktail or baked good, consider using elderflower syrup.
When using elderflower syrup as a substitute for elderflower liqueur, keep in mind that it doesn’t contain alcohol, so you will have to mix it with vodka or gin if you want to add alcohol to your recipe.
Berry-based liqueur
Berry-based liqueurs are a versatile substitution for elderflower liqueur in many cocktails and culinary dishes.
For example, raspberry framboise can be used as a replacement for elderflower liqueur in a classic French 75 cocktail. Crème de cassis, a blackcurrant-flavored liqueur, can be used as a substitution in a Kir Royale. Pomegranate or cherry liqueurs make lovely substitutes in a Spritz cocktail.
Berry-based liqueurs can also be used in many desserts, such as trifles, cakes, and syllabubs. The sweetness of the berries complements the rich flavors of these desserts perfectly.
Such liqueurs are also a great way to add color and visual interest to your drink. While the flavor won’t exactly be that of elderberry, it will be something very close.
So, if you’re out of elderflower liqueur, don’t worry. There are many delicious berry-based liqueurs that can be used as a substitute.
St. Elder
St. Elder is a natural elderberry flower extract with a sweet lychee flavor and hints of pineapple and citrus. It’s perfect as a substitute for elderflower liqueur in any recipe, and it has many benefits.
It is made from only the finest elderberry flowers, so you can be sure that you’re getting a high-quality product. It’s also naturally lower in sugar than other substitutes, so it’s a healthier option for those watching their weight.
And because St. Elder is floral, it adds a beautiful aromatic touch to any dish. Whether you’re making a summer cocktail or a winter dessert, St. Elder is the perfect way to add a touch of sweetness.
Elderflower lemonade
Elderflower lemonade is a great non-alcoholic alternative for elderflower liqueur. It is light and has a delicate floral flavor. This refreshing drink is perfect for summer parties or barbecues.
It is made by steeping elderflowers in water and then adding lemon juice and honey to taste. Some people find Elderflower lemonade to be a bit too sweet, so feel free to adjust the amount of honey to taste.
It is a perfect summer drink and can be used in any recipe that calls for elderflower liqueur. Elderflower lemonade can be enjoyed on its own or mixed with sparkling water for a refreshing summer spritzer.
Lychee liqueur
Lychee liquor is a great substitute for elderflower liqueur because it is just as sweet and floral. However, it has different undertones of flavors such as guava, citrus, and peach. These subtle flavors can add an extra dimension to your cocktail that elderflower liqueur cannot provide.
The liqueur is usually clear, but it can also be pale yellow or pink. You can use it in cocktails, desserts, and baking. It can also be used as a drink mixer.
Lychee liquor is also a great alternative for those who are looking for a less expensive option. Overall, Lychee liquor is a great substitute for elderflower liqueur that can add a unique twist to your cocktail.
Fruit & elderberry juice
Fruit and elderberry juice is a great substitute for elderflower liqueur. Elderflower liqueur is used in many cocktails and desserts, but it can be hard to find and expensive. Fruit and elderberry juice is a great way to get the same flavor without having to spend a lot of money.
You can use grape juice, blueberry juice, raspberry juice, or any other fruit juice as a replacement.
Fruit juices also have more flavor options than elderflower liqueur. You can find fruit juices at any grocery store, and they are usually less expensive than liqueurs.
If you are looking for a great way to save money on your next cocktail or dessert, try using fruit and elderberry juice as a substitute for elderflower liqueur.
JJ Whitley elderflower gin
JJ Whitley elderflower gin is a great substitute for elderflower liqueur. It’s stronger, so you don’t need to use as much, and it is made of botanicals, like cape gooseberries, cinnamon, and elderflower, that give it a more complex flavor.
It’s also sweeter, with hints of honey and orange, so it can be used in place of elderflower liqueur in cocktails or desserts.
JJ Whitley elderflower gin is also a great way to add a floral flavor to savory dishes. Try using it in place of white wine in a recipe for chicken or fish, or use it to deglaze a pan after cooking meat. You can also add it to vinaigrettes or sauces for a touch of sweetness.
Rosewater
Rosewater is a popular non-alcoholic alternative for elderflower liqueur. It is made by steeping fresh rose petals in water and then straining the mixture. This process gives the rosewater a floral flavor that is both sweet and slightly overpowering.
While rosewater can be used in many of the same ways as elderflower liqueur, it is important to remember that it is much easier to overdo it with rosewater than with elderflower liqueur. A little goes a long way, so it is important to use it sparingly.
Homemade elderflower liqueur
Homemade elderflower liqueur is a great substitute for the more expensive store-bought version. It’s easy to make and only requires a few ingredients: 20-30 dried elderflowers, sugar, lemon, and vodka.
The resulting liqueur is delicate and fragrant, with a complex floral flavor that is perfect for sipping on its own or using in cocktails. Best of all, it’s a fraction of the cost of store-bought elderflower liqueur.
A homemade elderflower liqueur is also a great way to use up fresh elderflowers, which are otherwise difficult to come by.
FAQs
Is there a store-bought substitute for elderflower liqueur?
There are a few store-bought substitutes for elderflower liqueur, including lychee liquor, JJ Whitley elderflower gin, and rosewater. However, the most economical and flavorful substitute is homemade elderflower liqueur.
Can I use another type of liquor as a substitute for elderflower liqueur?
You can use any type of liquor as a substitute for elderflower liqueur. However, you may need to adjust the amount that you use depending on the strength of the liquor. For example, if you are using vodka as a substitute, you will need to use more than if you were using gin.
If you are looking for a non-alcoholic substitute, rosewater is a good option.
Conclusion
There are a few substitutes for elderflower liqueur that you can use in cocktails and desserts.
Our favorite substitution is JJ Whitley elderflower gin. It has a sweet, floral flavor that is perfect for replacing elderflower liqueur.
You can also try making your own elderflower liqueur at home or using rosewater as a non-alcoholic substitute.
Remember, when substituting elderflower liqueur, a little goes a long way. Use these substitutes sparingly to avoid overpowering your drink or dessert and you’ll get nearly the same taste!