Elder-flower and vanilla syrup (vegan)

I made elder-flower syrup, out of fresh flowers, when I visited home last year. It's something which can only be made kind of about now (at the beginning of June).  
I also infused it with vanilla for a stronger and dreamier flavor. It's wonderful diluted with water for a refreshing drink, or in cocktails, or in various deserts (like the Elder flower rum cream tarts with raspberries).
In the picture above you may also admire my parents' tomcat, Perseus. :)

Recipe source: my dad :).

Last year: Raw walnut-cocoa truffles with honey and cinnamon (raw vegan).
Two years ago: Stuffed baked avocados (Middle Eastern).



Ingredients (for about 1.5 liters of syrup):

• 40 large elder-flower florets (about 1 kg total)
• 2 liters fresh springwater
• 1 kg sugar
• 2 large organic lemons
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix the water and sugar and bring them to a boil. Add the vanilla and the halved lemons:

Let them boil until the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from the heat and add all the flowers:

Mix gently and let it infuse. When it's completely cooled, pour it in another recipient through a sieve:

Discard the flowers. The syrup is done! :)

May you use it in delicious ways.