Elderberries are a product of the elder tree and are used to flavor various foods and beverages. The tart berry works well with citrus and tea blends particularly well. Like a lot of other berries, elderberry is championed for its complex tartness and is a crucial ingredient in certain pies, syrups, pastries, jams, jellies, and more. Elderberry can be added to almost any tea blend to add not only flavor but color. Elderberry tea is a gentle way to receive the major health benefits the berry is known for.
We can’t talk about elderberry without mentioning alcohol. Elderberry syrup is used to flavor wines and cocktails because the sweet, tart berry pairs so well with almost any spirit. Cocktails using elderberry syrup carry a gorgeous deep purple color, which makes it hard to ignore on a bar menu. The sweet, rich, and tart flavor of the elderberry makes it a perfect alcohol companion: sweetening the drink with its sugar, but still allowing the liquor notes to peek through. There are some botanical gins that use elderberry as the added essence, which is why there are so many elderberry gin recipes found online.
ELDERBERRY PAIRS WELL WITH
What makes elderberry so great is its versatility. There are so many elderberry combinations that work! Whether it’s combined with another herb in tea, alcohol, or pie–elderberry makes any profile all the more complex, so go ahead, play around with different combinations to find your favorite.
Peppermint Leaf
The bright, minty flavor of peppermint leaf brightens and accents the tart elderberry taste. Many cocktails and tea blends combine elderberry and mint for an amazingly herbal, earthy combination. This combination is also great for gut health, so elderberry, mint tea is highly recommended for not-so-great stomach days.
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Orange Peel
Any citrus-elderberry pairing is delightful. The rich flavor of the berry and the bright, acidic nature of orange peel is the perfect flavor balance. The citrus doesn’t have to be orange, it could be lemon, lime, grapefruit–whatever is available. This combination can also be used as a tea blend or cocktail, either is delightful.
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Cinnamon
This adaptogenic herb is a perfect addition to turmeric and other warm spices found in golden milk.
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