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Homemade elderberry syrup is easier to make than you might think. Skip the store-bought version and try this simple recipe. As an added bonus, it will make your home smell amazing.
Does Elderberry Syrup Really Work?
There’s a reason so many people reach for elderberry syrup when they want to boost their immune system. In one clinical trial, elderberry extract appears to help lessen symptoms and shorten the duration of cold symptoms compared to a placebo group.
According to this study, elderberry extract has been shown to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by an average of 4 days(!!) when taken within the first 48 hours of influenza symptoms appearing.
In lab rat studies, elderberries have also been shown to lower insulin resistance. This is something to remember if you are a diabetic taking insulin, as you might want to talk with your doctor before taking it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for dried black elderberries, also called sambucus nigra. Don’t consume raw elderberries or their leaves and stems, as they contain a toxic compound that can cause nausea and vomiting. Cooking eliminates this toxin, which is why elderberry syrup has become a common option.
When shopping for honey, look for local or raw honey when possible. Research suggests that honey has antioxidants as well as potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, it will make your elderberry syrup taste amazing.
This recipe calls for dried spices for convenience, but you can also use whole cinnamon sticks or whole cloves if you happen to keep those in your pantry.
Would you prefer a sugar-free recipe? Try making a cup of elderberry tea instead.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
1. Simmer the ingredients.
Add the dried elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and water to a small pot.
Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. As soon as the liquid is bubbling, lower the heat and let it simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 25 to 30 minutes.
2. Strain.
Pour the cooked elderberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large bowl.
Use the back of a spoon to mash the berries and strain out as much juice as possible. Discard the solids or add them to your compost.
3. Sweeten.
Let the strained elderberry liquid cool to room temperature, then add the honey and whisk well.
Transfer the elderberry syrup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. This small batch usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks in my home, depending on how many of my family members remember to take it, but you can double the recipe if needed.
Note: Homemade elderberry syrup is more runny in texture than a store-bought version. This is because the sugar concentration is lower than in store-bought versions, which use more sugar to make it shelf-stable.
How to Use Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup is most often taken by the tablespoon when needed. However, you can also use it to make an elderberry smoothie, or you can add it to your favorite warm tea with a squeeze of lemon juice, when you want to sooth your throat.
Incorporate elderberry syrup into your morning routine by drizzling it on waffles, pancakes, or over a bowl of oatmeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Note: Before starting a new supplement, you should always talk with your doctor. I am not a doctor, and this post should not be considered medical advice. I’m just sharing my personal experience.
There is no standard dose for remedies like elderberry syrup. In one study, participants were given 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of elderberry syrup 4 times daily for 5 days. In this study, symptoms were relieved 4 days earlier in those who took the elderberry compared to those given the placebo.
Yes, this recipe is flexible so you can use any other sweetener you prefer. For a vegan recipe, try using maple syrup or agave nectar.
The elderberry plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, a toxin which is removed by cooking. In one case, eight people experienced nausea and vomiting after drinking the juice made from freshly picked berries, including the leaves and branches. This is why people don’t usually recommend juicing raw elderberries or tossing them into a smoothie. Elderberries may also have diuretic properties, so use caution if you already take a medication that makes you pee more often.
Looking for more recipes to try during cold & flu season? Try Ginger Tea, Detox Soup, Carrot Juice or Classic Chicken & Vegetable Soup.
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried elderberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 inch fresh ginger , thinly sliced
- ½ cup honey
Instructions
- Combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a small saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the water has been reduced by half, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Pour the cooked berries and liquid through a fine mesh strainer, into a clean bowl, to strain out the berries. Use the back of a spoon to press on the berries in the strainer, to extract all of the juice, then discard or compost the pulp that's left in the strainer.
- Allow the elderberry juice to cool to room temperature. Stir in the honey, using a whisk to incorporate it smoothly, then transfer the syrup into a sealed glass jar that you can store in the fridge.
- This syrup should keep well for at least two weeks when stored in the fridge, so if you don't think you'll use it all before then, feel free to freeze any extras. You can always thaw it overnight in the fridge when you need more. Homemade elderberry syrup doesn't become as thick as the store bought version because it uses less sugar and no preservatives or thickeners, so don't be alarmed if the final syrup has more of a liquid consistency.
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is for roughly 1 tablespoon of elderberry syrup. This information is automatically calculated and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.
- This recipe should make roughly 1.5 cups of elderberry syrup, but that amount will vary based on how long you let the liquid cook down. This recipe is very adaptable, so feel free to experiment with it.
- I order these dried organic elderberries from Amazon.
- If you need a vegan recipe, feel free to use coconut sugar or maple syrup as an alternative sweetener to honey. Or, try elderberry tea for a sugar-free alternative.
Nutrition
If you try this elderberry syrup recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below so I know how it works for you.
Thx for the recipe- we grow elderberries and will provide your recipe with our fresh elderberries for folks at our local Farmer’s Market.
Hi there, I was given some elderberries as they were cut off the bush, froze them, then just boiled the whole thing with water. Have I compromised the elderberries for safe consumption by leaving them on the stems?
Where can I purchase elderberry?
Reading elsewhere that if using fresh elderberries you need double the amount. About to try your recipe (Yay ginger!) With my fresh elderberries!
I am making a new batch of elderberry syrup tonight. My additions include organic Ceylon cinnamon bark, grains of paradise, and one cardamom pod (for a double batch). I am including the fresh ginger, I feel this is very copacetic. I am using elderberries that were wild crafted in Oregon by an herbalist friend; we did a trade, which is always very satisfying. But I also sometimes get them from Vitacost for a decent price.
HI! I just made this syrup. However, my “syrup” was still quite liquidy. Is it still good and what do you think I did wrong?
Mine is rather liquid too. Wondered what I did wrong
This is what she said in last line of the recipe: “Homemade elderberry syrup doesn’t become as thick as the store bought version because it uses less sugar and no preservatives or thickeners, so don’t be alarmed if the final syrup has a more liquid consistency.”
Homemade versions tend to be more liquid because of the fact that we aren’t adding extra sweeteners and or preservatives, thus it’s completely fine!
I’mso excited about this recipe! Thank you for posting this! Is there a honey you suggest using? I have raw honey but I’m not sure if it would mix well with the syrup. Does freezing the extra compromise the health benefits of the honey?
Julie- I’m a beekeeper. I would use local and raw honey and freezing does not effect it. Actually, raw honey won’t crystallize when it’s frozen unlike when it sits in a cool cupboard.
Local honey is best especially for allergies. The local bees are a good source because they live in the same area as you do. Thus giving you the benefits of their honey. (The bees are giving you the needed resources from your soundings). Hope that makes sense!
Thank you for sharing your recipe.
You are amazing! I needed more elderberry syrup asap since my little boy has Croup, but couldn’t find one locally without all the sugar and glycerin additives. This post came at the perfect time! I can get elderberries at my local health store! I don’t know why I never thought of making my own syrup. You are such an inspiration. Thanks for all you do!
So if I wanted to make just the capsules, would I buy the organic elderberries and grind to a powder consistency?
No, because the stems and seeds have cyanide in them. This is what causes the stomach cramping and vomiting. Dried berries are essentially raw. The berries need to be cooked to evaporate the toxins.
I love elderberry syrup, but can’t imagine it without the concentrated, spicy flavors of ginger, clove and cinnamon together. Clove and elderberry are one of my favorite winter flavor combinations. I have your version on the stove right now.
Have you tried making them in to gummies? I have a friend who has done it but don’t know if it is still as potent. She used gelatin and said it was fairly easy.
Yes, I did try them as gummies! I used agar agar, which is vegan “gelatin,” and the result was gummy bears with a jello texture. My son doesn’t like jello, so he didn’t eat them. I like them, but I don’t think they’re worth the effort if my kids won’t eat them! 🙂
How much would you give a five year old and 9 month old?
You can’t give honey to a child under the age of 1 year old, so don’t give this recipe to a 9 month old. I can’t provide exact dosage recommendations for legal reasons, but you can consult with a naturopath or health care professional who works with your family.