It’s one of the most versatile and enchanting wild plants around. From cordial and champagne to cakes, biscuits, and today’s star recipe: ice lollies. These floral, citrusy lollies are perfect for a hot summer day and easy to make at home.

If you have lolly moulds, great! If not, don’t worry — you can use clean yoghurt pots or small glasses with a bit of foil on top and a stick as a handle. Just make sure you’ve cleared some space in your freezer before you begin!

Elderflowers grow on the elder tree (Sambucus nigra) — a plant steeped in folklore and long respected for its healing properties. The Latin name Sambucus means “gift from the gods,” and it’s earned that title over centuries of use in herbal medicine.

Elderflowers are:

• Naturally anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral
• A gentle diuretic and laxative
• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Helpful for easing cold and flu symptoms, especially runny eyes and noses
• Known to calm anxiety and nervous tension

Just be sure you correctly identify elderflower before using it — there are some toxic lookalikes. If you’re unsure, check out my YouTube video on elderflower ID for tips.

It’s one of the most versatile and enchanting wild plants around. From cordial and champagne to cakes, biscuits, and today’s star recipe: ice lollies. These floral, citrusy lollies are perfect for a hot summer day and easy to make at home.

If you have lolly moulds, great! If not, don’t worry — you can use clean yoghurt pots or small glasses with a bit of foil on top and a stick as a handle. Just make sure you’ve cleared some space in your freezer before you begin!

Elderflowers grow on the elder tree (Sambucus nigra) — a plant steeped in folklore and long respected for its healing properties. The Latin name Sambucus means “gift from the gods,” and it’s earned that title over centuries of use in herbal medicine.

Elderflowers are:

• Naturally anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral
• A gentle diuretic and laxative
• Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Helpful for easing cold and flu symptoms, especially runny eyes and noses
• Known to calm anxiety and nervous tension

Just be sure you correctly identify elderflower before using it — there are some toxic lookalikes. If you’re unsure, check out my YouTube video on elderflower ID for tips.

You’ll Need:

• 10–15 elderflower heads (fresh, open blossoms)
• 1 litre water
• 1kg sugar
• 1 orange (or lemon), sliced
• A few sprigs of fresh lemon balm (optional)

1. Make the infusion:
   In a large pan, combine the water and sugar. Heat gently until all the sugar dissolves.
2. Add the flavour:
   Stir in your elderflower heads, chopped orange (or lemon), and lemon balm. Let it all steep in the warm syrup for 5 minutes, then pour the mixture into a large jar or bowl, cover, and leave it to infuse overnight.
3. Strain and separate:
   The next day, strain the mixture through a muslin cloth or clean tea towel. This is your elderflower cordial base.
4. Make the lollies:
   Pour some of this cordial into your lolly moulds or alternative containers. Add lolly sticks or spoons, then place them in the freezer until solid — usually about 6–8 hours.

With the remaining cordial, you can make elderflower syrup:

1. Pour it back into a pan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir regularly and reduce the liquid until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
3. Let it cool, bottle it, and label it.

This syrup can be used in ice cream, cakes, scones, drinks, and more — check out my other blogs for recipes.

If this recipe has inspired you to gather your own wild ingredients, I’d love to show you how!

Join me on a foraging course and learn how to safely identify, harvest, and use plants like elderflower, nettle, wild garlic and more.

Get in touch here to find out more and book your place.

Let the land nourish your kitchen — and your soul.

If you make these lollies, tag me or leave a comment — I’d love to see your creations and hear how you got on.