Elderflower’s First Big Splash in Consumer Products
If you are a connoisseur of co*cktails you probably first experienced the taste of Elderflower in co*cktails made with Saint Germain liqueur. If not, the next time you go to a nicer pub or co*cktail lounge, treat yourself to a St. Rita, which is a margarita dashed with the elderflower taste of Saint Germain. That relatively young liqueur debuted in 2007 and received mainstream attention in 2013 when the brand was purchased by Bacardi and plugged into that company’s significant distribution system. Soon bartenders and co*cktail enthusiasts experimented with the liqueur, which is made from the flowers of the elderflower plant that bloom for a short time each spring in the French Alps.
Elderflower’s Intriguing Taste and Pairing Compatibility
By itself, the elderflower flavor profile is described as a uniquely fresh, fruity, green and slightly floral with subtle pear, lychee and tropical nuances. Such a profile that blends the different (unique floral) with the familiar (pear) and interesting (lychee) is often the foundation for broader appeal. This seems to be the case for Elderflower flavors, which slowly but surely are making their way into other beverages and foods either on its own or, more frequently, as background to note to familiar flavors like honey, apple, pear, blackberry, strawberry, passionfruit and citrus. With an intriguing name and taste profile, as well as compatibility with mainstream flavors, Elderflower flavor is catching the eye of marketers and product developers in a growing number of beverage and non-beverage products: juice drinks, waters, frozen desserts and novelties, confections, and baked goods.
Endorsed by Royalty
Though likely unintentional, British Prince Harry and his new bride Meghan Markle gave Elderflower a promotional boost when they choose Lemon-Elderflower as the flavor profile for their wedding cake. Their day-long, globally televised, royal wedding on May 19, 2018, had the press and public buzzing about nearly every detail of the ceremony and reception, including the unique flavor of the cake. Perhaps the new princess thought… if they have to eat cake, let’s make it intriguing and delicious!
Need samples of Elderflower flavors?
Currently, abelei flavors offers 27 different Elderflower-based formulas, of course, with the ability to tweak and create more. These formulas are mostly liquid, water-soluble and Natural, but oil-soluble and powder versions are also available, as are organics. For a sample of Elderflower or other fruit and sweet flavor specialties, click here.
