Let's learn how to make elderberry syrup at home with dried elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This recipe is tried and true, easy, and genuinely tasty!

A glass bottle labeled “elderberry syrup” sits next to a metal dish with dried flowers and a honey dipper on a wooden surface, evoking the classic touches of a timeless elderberry syrup recipe.

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I've been making elderberry syrup for my family for quite some time now. Elderberry syrup is one of those things that everyone makes a little differently, I find. There isn't a right or wrong way to go about making it, apart from the simmering step which ensures you extract the helpful compounds. Otherwise, elderberry syrup is something you can certainly tweak to suit your tastes when it comes to the spices, and even the ratios. Elderberry syrup also makes a great first-time herbal medicine-making project. Elderberries have traditionally been used as an immune system booster for hundreds of years.

A bottle labeled “elderberry syrup” sits on a wooden table surrounded by dried flowers, a plate of elderberries, and a honey dipper—perfect inspiration for your next elderberry syrup recipe.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Dried Elderberries: Dried elderberries (Sambucus nigra) are easily found in natural health food stores and online at places like Mountain Rose Herbs and Amazon. One upside of using the dried berries apart from not having to go foraging around, they make it easy to make this elderberry syrup recipe any time of the year.

Cinnamon: I love throwing a cinnamon stick into the mix, but feel free to swap out the stick for about 1/2 teaspoon of the ground variety.

Ginger Root: Ginger root adds a nice touch of spice to this recipe. If you do not have fresh on hand, you can use 2 teaspoons of ground ginger.

Cloves: Cloves add a delicious earthy warmth and make your kitchen smell divine (as a bonus!). If you need to use ground cloves, use about 3/4 teaspoon.

Raw Honey: No elderberry syrup would be complete without the sweet component! If you are vegan or on a honey-free diet, feel free to swap it out for the sweetener of your choice. You can even use agave syrup or vegan honey!

A gold-colored plate holds dried flowers and tea leaves with a wooden honey dipper on a dark wooden surface, evoking the natural ingredients often used in an elderberry syrup recipe.

What Are the Benefits of Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry syrup is a popular remedy during flu season, and it's easy to see why once you look at what's in it. Elderberry syrup is rich in antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

For kids and adults alike, elderberry has traditionally been used to help ease cold and flu symptoms. NCCIH (NIH) notes that a small number of studies suggest it may help relieve symptoms, though research is still limited.

Elderberry syrup can be a beneficial addition to your natural remedy cabinet. Some people use elderberry syrup to help ease upper respiratory symptoms during cold and flu season.

It is important to note that while elderberry syrup can be a valuable supplement, it should not replace prescribed drug administration. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using elderberry syrup, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

A pot filled with dark liquid, reminiscent of an elderberry syrup recipe, sits on a wooden surface, with a single floating spice. A plate with dried flowers, spices, and a honey dipper is placed nearby. — Combine dried elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves and ginger in a large pot over medium-heat. Bring to a simmer.

A wooden spoon stirs a dark liquid with spices in a black pot—an elderberry syrup recipe in the making; a honey dipper and herbs are blurred in the background. — Combine dried elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves and ginger in a large pot over medium-heat. Bring to a simmer.

My Top Tip

If using raw honey as your sweetener, you want to make sure the elderberry liquid cools considerably before mixing in the honey, for the sake of maintaining the maximum health benefits of the raw honey.

10 Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup

1. Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a sweet and tangy twist.
2. Mix into lemon juice or other fruit juices for a refreshing and health-boosting beverage.
3. Add a splash of soda water to create a unique and flavorful elderberry soda.
4. Use as a cocktail mixer to infuse your favorite alcoholic drinks with a delicious, fruity flavor.
5. Top vanilla ice cream with elderberry syrup for a delightful and sophisticated dessert.
6. Blend into kombucha for a probiotic-rich, elderberry-infused drink.
7. Incorporate into homemade popsicles for a healthier frozen treat.
8. Sweeten and flavor tea with a spoonful of elderberry syrup.
9. Mix with local honey or maple syrup to create a delectable and nutritious sweetener.
10. Stir into marinades or glazes for a savory dish with a hint of elderberry's delicious taste.

A bottle labeled “Elderberry Syrup” lies on a wooden surface next to a plate of dried herbs and flowers and a honey dipper, evoking the wholesome ingredients found in a classic elderberry syrup recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elderberry Syrup

Can I use fresh elderberries instead of dried ones when making elderberry syrup?

Yes! If using fresh elderberries, I recommend using about 5 cups worth.

Can I make this in my Instant Pot?

Yes! I have a recipe for Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup on my food blog.

Can I cook it longer?

Yes. You aim to visibly see the liquid reduce by about half while simmering. Sometimes this takes a bit longer (and sometimes a bit less!)

Can I change the spices?

Yes! That is part of the beauty and fun of elderberry syrup. Have fun experimenting and adding some of your favorite flavoring agents. I sometimes add citrus peel and star anise. Enjoy the process!

How long can I store elderberry syrup?

Elderberry syrup has a shelf life of about 2 months when stored in the refrigerator.

What can I do with the leftover, strained elderberries?

You can discard them, throw them into a compost pile, throw them into baked goods, or you can make tea or infused vinegar with the leftover elderberries!

Who should not take elderberry syrup?

Elderberry should not be taken by individuals with autoimmune diseases, those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, or pregnant and breastfeeding women. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using elderberry syrup, especially if there are underlying health conditions or if you are taking medications.

Does drinking elderberry syrup have side effects?

While elderberry syrup is generally safe for most people, it may cause side effects in some individuals such as nausea, vomiting, or allergic reactions. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. As with any supplement, it's best to use elderberry syrup in moderation and according to recommended dosages.

A glass bottle labeled “elderberry syrup” on a wooden table, next to dried flowers, a plate of elderberries, and a honey dipper—perfect for showcasing your favorite elderberry syrup recipe.

Elderflower Cordial

A glass bottle labeled “elderberry syrup” sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by dried flowers and a dish with dried elderberries, offering inspiration for your next elderberry syrup recipe.

A glass bottle labeled “elderberry syrup” sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by dried flowers and a metal dish with small dark berries, hinting at the natural ingredients in this traditional elderberry syrup recipe.

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5 from 112 votes

Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Homemade elderberry syrup made with dried elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves, simmered on the stovetop and sweetened with raw honey.

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 35

Total Time: 45

Course: Medicinal Food and Drink

Cuisine: European

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 36kcal

Author: Kristen Wood

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Equipment

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 cup dried elderberries
1 one-inch knob fresh ginger root
1 four-inch cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 cup raw honey

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the water, elderberries, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Simmer for 35 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by about half.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature before straining, then stirring in the honey until dissolved.
Funnel the mixture into jars or bottles with airtight lids. Keep stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 months. Enjoy!

Notes

If needed, swap the cinnamon stick for 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, the ginger root for 2 teaspoons ground ginger, or the whole cloves for 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
For a vegan version, swap the raw honey for agave syrup or vegan honey.

Nutrition

Comments

5 from 112 votes (95 ratings without comment)

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

What Are the Benefits of Elderberry Syrup?

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

My Top Tip

10 Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup

Frequently Asked Questions About Elderberry Syrup