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Elderberry flower syrup! This syrup is a favorite ingredient in northern Europe, and IKEA always offers it in their food section. We reviewed it more extensively here. This is the cheapest place that I've found the syrup, and I always stock up when I go. A few teaspoons of this sweet, tangy, delicately floral syrup is a great addition to summer cocktails and drinks. I like how the sweetness is very light and crisp; it doesn't overwhelm the other flavors of a drink. It's one of the tastes that define spring and and summer for me.

Although I really like elderberry flower syrup in cocktails, like this classic elderflower cordial with gin, for this occasion I made a couple pitchers of soda water mixed with syrup, lime and fruit. Here's the recipe, with a strong recommendation to play around with this syrup yourself. It's sweet, delicious, and refreshing.

Blackberry Elderflower Spritzer with Mint
makes about 1 liter pitcher

1 liter soda water, chilled
1/2 cup elderberry flower syrup, chilled
1 lime, juiced
About 1/3 cup blackberries, washed
1/4 mint leaves, bruised

Whisk the soda water and elderberry flower syrup with the lime. Stir in the blackberries and muddled mint leaves and serve immediately.

This is also very nice with lemon juice and strawberries.

Related: When In London, Drink Elderflower Cordial

(Images: Faith Durand)