How to make Elderberry Syrup
Every winter, I rely on elderberry for my friends' and family's health. It's my favorite for immune support because it strengthens immunity during cold months. Recent studies support this use and align with my personal experiences.
When buying elderberries, choose organic ones from trusted sources. Look for dark, pesticide-free berries. Check suppliers with good reviews and transparent sourcing to get quality products.
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Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Herbalists have long used elder (Sambucus) berries, flowers, and bark. Recent research shows elderberries may help support immune health (Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review, 2021)*. This makes elderberry a good choice, especially if you feel tired during the winter holidays.
Herbalists have long used elder (Sambucus) berries, flowers, and bark. Recent research shows elderberries may help support immune health (Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review, 2021)*. This makes elderberry a good choice, especially if you feel tired during the winter holidays.
Syrup is a convenient and traditional way to take elderberry. Many elderberry syrups use raw honey, which naturally preserves the berries and adds sweetness.
Elderberry syrup is also easy to take and pleasant, making it simple to enjoy the berries’ benefits. It tastes good, especially with a bit of sweetness. You can even drizzle it over pancakes, oatmeal, or desserts.
Traditional recipes sometimes add alcohol for a longer shelf life. Without alcohol, keep the syrup refrigerated for 2-3 weeks. Honey helps mask the taste of alcohol if used.
Makes about 3 cups of syrup without alcohol, 4 cups with alcohol.
Active Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried organic elderberries
- 4 cups cold water (distilled, purified, or spring water works best)
- 2-3 tsp. Fresh ginger root or 1-2 tsp. organic dried ginger root
- 1 organic sweet cinnamon stick
- 1 cup raw organic honey (or maple syrup or agave for a vegan/infant-friendly recipe); honey should not be given to infants under 1 year. Double the sweetener to extend shelf life.
- 1 cup vodka or brandy (optional to increase shelf life)
Directions
1. Combine berries, herbs, and water in a pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer the herbs for 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Remove from heat. Let steep for 1 hour.
4. Strain berries and herbs through a funnel lined with doubled cheesecloth. When cool enough, squeeze out the liquid and then compost the used elderberries.
5. Cool to room temperature, then stir in honey.
6. If using alcohol, add now.
7. Bottle in a sterilized glass and store in the refrigerator.
Pro tips:
- Use at least half as much honey as elderberry liquid to help prevent spoilage. For 2 cups of liquid, add at least 1 cup of honey.
- You can double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch for storage or gifts. Use glass pantry jars or Amber bottles. My family takes a teaspoon or two of this syrup straight from the fridge almost daily during the cold season. For adults, a teaspoon once or twice a day is usually enough. Children over one year old can take half a teaspoon once or twice daily. If you’ll use elderberry syrup regularly or long-term, check with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe and that you’re using the proper amount.
Tips for Making Elderberry Syrup
Should you use fresh or dried elderberries?
You can use fresh or dried elderberries. I use dried for convenience. Use twice as many fresh berries as dried.
How can you make elderberry syrup shelf-stable?
Shelf-stable syrups require more sugar, alcohol, or both to prevent bacterial and mold growth. My recipe is more family-friendly, using less sugar and no alcohol, and it is kept in the refrigerator. For a longer shelf life, double the honey.
What should I cook my elderberry syrup in?
For making syrup, choose a ceramic, glass, or other non-reactive pan to avoid unwanted substances from leaching into your syrup. Avoid pans with synthetic nonstick coatings, as they can release harmful materials when heated. Selecting safe cookware helps ensure a quality syrup.
What kind of water should I use to make elderberry syrup?
Your product is only as good as your ingredients, including water. Use distilled, spring, or purified water, whichever you have access to.
Where can I get the supplies I need to make Elderberry Syrup?
Medicinal Blends is an affiliate of Mountain Rose Herbs, and we are proud to offer their products to you.
Shop Here:
Mountain Rose Herbs
Organic Dried Elderberry - https://get.aspr.app/SH1KXZ
Sweet Cinnamon Sticks - https://get.aspr.app/SH1OtE
Organic Dried Ginger - https://get.aspr.app/SH1OtH
Cheese Cloth - https://get.aspr.app/SH1Ost
Funnel - https://get.aspr.app/SH1Osu
Amber Bottles - https://get.aspr.app/SH1PcY
References
(2021). Elderberry for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory illnesses: a systematic review. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 21. https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-021-03283-5
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