Let's learn all about making your own Elderberry Syrup at home with dried elderberries! This recipe is tried and true, easy, tasty, and health-beneficial.
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 been used as a great immune system booster for hundreds of years!
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like this homemade cough syrup recipe incorporating elderberries as well.
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: Apart from the added health benefits of ginger (anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral, to name a few), ginger root also adds a nice touch of spice. 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! The upside of using raw honey in your elderberry syrup is that it adds additional health benefits. However, if you are a 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!
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Elderberry Syrup
The health benefits of elderberry syrup are numerous, making it a popular remedy, particularly during flu season. Elderberry syrup is rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
For kids and adults alike, elderberry syrup can provide immune support and may help to reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms due to its zinc content. The immune-boosting properties of elderberry syrup make it a valuable addition to your wellness routine, helping to strengthen the body's natural defenses.
When used in the right dosage, elderberry syrup can be a beneficial addition to your arsenal of natural remedies. Research has shown that elderberry syrup can help to cure upper respiratory symptoms, reduce illness, and promote overall wellness.
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 - Step by Step
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.
FAQ
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! We have a recipe for Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup on our sister site.
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.
How many servings per day should I take?
For adults, 1 tablespoon daily is sufficient for maintaining optimum health, but if you are sick or coming down with something, up to three times daily is a suitable amount. For children, 1 teaspoon daily is sufficient, increasing up to three times daily when sick.
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.
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How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup
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
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!
Olga Z. says
Hello Kristen,
I'm making this right now. Just wanted to make sure if I should simmer it uncovered.
Thank you for this wonderful recipe.
Kristen says
Hi Olga - so sorry for just now seeing this! Yes, simmering uncovered is preferred, but it will not hurt to simmer covered, it just might take longer to reduce.
Tara says
Oh wow! I love how easily this homemade Elderberry Syrup comes together. It sounds fantastic with the addition of all those spices too.
Gen says
This was much easier than I thought it would be. Absolutely love the cloves, cinnamon, and ginger! I will definitely make this again.
Glenda says
We've been going through our last batch rather quickly with all the viruses floating around right now. Time to make a new batch. Thanks for sharing your recipe. Not enough people know how powerful elderberry can be.
Sharina says
Added some cloves to my elderberry syrup and it turned out great! So easy yet so tasty and flavorful!
Addison says
This elderberry syrup comes in clutch for sickness! It was easier than I thought to make. Thank you!
Shruthi says
I love having cocktails with elderberry syrup and was looking for ways to make it at home (we recently invested in a little cocktail bar setup!) This turned out so good.
Love says
LOVE the recipe! Tried lots of other recipes but this is the best elderberry syrup I made so far. So easy to make and very tasty!!
Christina says
Made this Elderberry Syrup and it was so good! Easy steps, sweet and tangy. I'm happy I gave it a try!
Etta says
This syrup came out beautifully for me. I used it to make elderberry gummies. My kids love them. I'm wondering how to adapt for fresh elderberries? We have a few plants in our yard and they're finally in bloom!
Desi says
This was much easier to make than I thought and the flavors were delicious!
Jemwel says
This elderberry syrup is amazing! I love the combination of tart, sweet, and spicy flavors. It's perfect for boosting your immune system during cold and flu season. I highly recommend this recipe!
Sabrina says
Loved it. I’m using fresh berries & added honey as well. I did the 3x recipe and with that, I can fill 11 of the 8oz half-pint jars.
Marian says
As a mom, I'm always on the lookout for natural remedies to keep my family healthy, especially during cold and flu season. This elderberry syrup recipe is going straight into my arsenal of wellness tools! I love that it's kid-friendly and packed with immune-boosting ingredients.
Roxanne says
I used this on some vanilla ice cream that wasn't too good. The syrup made it SO much better. We loved it and will be making it again soon for cocktails! Thanks so much.
Steffi says
I heard from a friend that elderberry syrup is a wonderful immune booster and is a staple during cold and flu season. I'm happy to find this DIY recipe. Can't wait to give this a try and see how it effective it is!
Grace says
Was looking for a cough syrup for my kids and happened to find fresh elderberries at the store. It was surprisingly easy to make; will definitely keep this recipe on hand!