At a glance: A fruity, delicate elderberry herbal infusion combining elderberries and elderflowers with apple, lemon balm, chamomile and verbena. Brew at 100°C for 7 to 10 minutes, using 12 to 15g per litre. Best enjoyed in the morning.
Elder & Company herbal infusion was born from a simple idea: to build a blend around elderberry, that understated fruit with centuries of recognised medicinal heritage. We brought together elderberries and elderflowers, crisp apple, blackberry leaves, lemon balm, verbena and chamomile to create an infusion that is fruity, gentle and deeply comforting.
This premium blend stands out for its sensory roundness. Apple brings a sweet, indulgent note; elderberries add their characteristic lightly tart depth; while the flowers and petals leave a delicate floral finish on the palate. Browse our other herbal infusions to keep the tasting journey going.
The aromatic profile of Elder & Company herbal infusion
Once brewed, the infusion reveals an amber liquor with a subtle rosy blush, the hallmark of a blend where fruit is a generous presence. On the nose, the first aromas are decidedly fruity: apple and rosehip lead the way, underpinned by the distinctive note of elderberry, at once soft and faintly musky.
On the palate, the infusion opens with a round, fruity attack. Blackberry leaves bring structure, almost tannic, while lemon balm slips in a subtle citrusy freshness. Lemon myrtle extends that zesty quality, and whole verbena leaves a soothing, herbal fragrance at the heart of the cup.
The finish is floral and refined. Elderflowers, chamomile, rose petals and mallow form an airy bouquet that softens the whole. Meadowsweet, a plant with long-standing traditional interest, rounds out the blend with honeyed, faintly almond-like notes.
This infusion is intentionally complex: each sip reveals a new detail, whether fruity or floral, inviting you to slow down. Explore our other floral infusions, such as our Orange Blossom Mist herbal infusion, for a changing sensory experience through the seasons.
Carrot, a more unexpected ingredient, contributes an earthy, lightly sweet nuance that balances the acidity of the rosehip. This is the detail that defines the blend: a premium mix crafted with sustainably sourced ingredients and natural aromas, where each plant plays its part without overpowering the others.
Served in the morning, this infusion pairs beautifully with a fruity breakfast, a lightly sweetened pastry or a honey yogurt. Its round, fruity profile also makes it a pleasant mid-afternoon drink, when you're in the mood for something gentle without reaching for a full-bodied tea.
How to brew Elder & Company herbal infusion
A great herbal infusion starts with the right technique. For this blend, heat spring water or low-mineral water to a full boil at 100°C. The high temperature is essential to release the aromas locked in dried berries and botanicals.
Use 12 to 15 grams of the blend per litre of water, roughly a heaped tablespoon for a large mug. Pour the boiling water over the botanicals, cover immediately to preserve volatile aromatic compounds, and leave to steep for 7 to 10 minutes depending on your preferred strength.
Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or paper filter. This infusion is best enjoyed as it is, without added sugar, to appreciate the full subtlety of the blend. You can also stir in a spoonful of mild honey or a few drops of lemon juice to brighten the fruity notes.
For an iced version, brew a more concentrated infusion (20g per litre), allow to cool, then pour over ice: the fruity, floral base works wonderfully in summer. You can also prepare it as a cold infusion by steeping the blend in a jug of filtered water in the fridge for 6 to 8 hours.
For equipment, a glass or ceramic teapot kept exclusively for herbal infusions is ideal, to avoid any transfer of aromas. A large mug with a built-in filter also works very well for everyday individual use. To explore further, our guide which herbal infusion to choose covers different profiles based on your preferences and the moment of the day.
Covering the infusion as it steeps is especially important with this blend: the essential oils naturally present in lemon balm and lemon myrtle evaporate quickly in the heat. A lid, or simply a saucer placed over the cup, is enough to retain them and concentrate the fragrance when you come to drink it.
If you'd like to vary your routine, you might also enjoy our Minty Breeze herbal infusion, which is more refreshing, or our Alpine herbal infusion, more vegetal and mountain-inspired, to build a small collection for every mood.
Traditional benefits of elderberry and the blend's botanicals
Black elder (Sambucus nigra) is a plant recognised by European health authorities for its traditional uses. According to the EMA, elderflowers are traditionally used to relieve cold symptoms and support seasonal respiratory comfort.
Elderberries are rich in polyphenolic compounds. Several studies indexed on PubMed document their value as a source of natural antioxidants, as part of a balanced diet.
Chamomile, lemon balm and verbena, all present in the blend, are calming botanicals traditionally used to promote relaxation. The ANSES reminds us, however, that herbal infusions complement a healthy lifestyle and do not replace medical advice.
Rosehip is traditionally valued for its natural vitamin C content. Combined with apple and carrot, it contributes to the fruity, nourishing character of this blend, without constituting a specific health claim.
Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, personally selects the botanicals that make up this blend to ensure their aromatic freshness and sourcing quality. Every batch is tasted before being packed in our workshop.
Storage
To preserve the aromas and sensory qualities of the blend, store the infusion in an airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture. A metal or ceramic tin with a seal works perfectly.
Avoid the fridge, which introduces humidity and can damage dried flowers. A stable room temperature of around 18 to 22°C is ideal. Properly stored, the infusion retains its full aromatic freshness for 18 to 24 months after opening.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of elderberry herbal infusion?
Elderberry is traditionally used to support respiratory comfort during winter, particularly through its flowers. The berries provide natural antioxidants. Combined with lemon balm, chamomile and verbena, it makes a gentle, soothing infusion.
How do you brew an elderflower infusion?
Use 12 to 15g of the blend per litre of water brought to 100°C. Cover the cup or teapot, steep for 7 to 10 minutes, then strain. Covering during steeping is essential to retain the volatile aromas of the flowers.
Where does elderberry come from?
Black elder (Sambucus nigra) is a shrub widely found across Europe, whose flowers and berries are harvested in late spring and late summer. We select botanicals from sustainable farming sources, with a focus on aromatic quality and traceability.
How many cups of herbal infusion per day?
Two to three cups a day is generally enough to enjoy the blend without excess. Herbal infusions are pleasant everyday drinks that fit naturally into good daily hydration habits, and do not replace medical advice if you are undergoing treatment.
What are the effects of elderberry on health?
According to European health authorities, elderflowers are traditionally used to relieve seasonal cold symptoms. The berries are a source of antioxidants. These uses are traditional in nature and do not replace medical supervision.
Sources
Our information is drawn from medicinal plant monographs published by the EMA, studies indexed on PubMed, and ANSES recommendations on herbal infusion consumption in France. To explore further, see our dedicated content: autumn herbal infusions and winter herbal infusion plants.
