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Herbal (tisane) · Sambucus nigra

Elderflower Tea

elder blossom, Sambucus nigra

6.7/10 editor's score

An infusion of elderflowers. The elder is native to Europe and common throughout the British Isles, and its flowerheads are used in infusions in Northern Europe and the Balkans.

Caffeine-freeFloralHerbal
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried elderflowers, top-down

What you need

2 g dried elderflowersElderflower Tea
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:001 steep
InfusionPale yellow
Served inMug or cup

At a glance

An infusion of elderflowers.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit7.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestLate May to JulyLate May to July [1].
Pairs withLemon cake, Shortbread, StrawberriesLess good with savoury food
Grown asHedgerows and woodland edgesVarious regions, Native across Europe
Served inMug or cupA general choice

About Elderflower Tea

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe strong-scented flowers in wild plants 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Various regionsNative across EuropeUNITED KINGDOM
Made from
Flowerheads 1
Native
Europe; common in the British Isles 1
Flowers
Late May to July 1
Drunk in
Northern Europe and the Balkans 1

More from Various regions and United Kingdom.

History and culture

Elderflower infusions are a traditional drink in Northern Europe and the Balkans 1.

Elder flowers are also sold as a tea or extract 2.

Editor's score

6.7/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.0Origin & heritage: 7.0Availability: 6.5Value: 7.5Beginner-friendliness: 7.0Versatility: 7.0Flavour 6.0Heritage 7.0Availability 6.5Value 7.5Beginners 7.0Versatility 7.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Elderflower Tea0 mg

Elderflower contains no caffeine. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Elder flowers in early summer 1. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Flowerheads of Sambucus nigra 1.

Tea made from elder flowers or leaves has more cyanogenic glycosides than the berries 2.

How it is made
01Picking

Flowerheads cut 1.

02Drying

Dried; florets rubbed off.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry elderflowersTiny cream florets.
LiquorPale yellow.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft pale florets.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Lemon cake
  • Shortbread
  • Strawberries

Best avoided

  • Savoury food

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Whole florets.

Buying tips

  1. Region shown is an approximate area.
  2. Large amounts of cyanogenic glycosides can cause illness 2.
FAQ
Is elderflower tea safe?

Sources warn that flower and leaf teas carry more cyanogenic glycosides than the berries, and large amounts can cause illness 2. Buy dried flowers from a trusted seller.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from United KingdomVarious regionsCaffeine-freeFloralHerbal

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Sambucus nigra". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus_nigra
  2. Wikipedia, "Sambucus". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambucus
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.