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.
Elderberry Syrup
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.
I made the syrup and have been taking a couple of tablespoons per day for the last few days. I had felt a tickle in my throat and stopped up nose prior to taking the elderberry. Now I feel great and no cold, or flu seems to have made me sick!
I was wondering have you ever used Elderberry powder for this recipe?
Have you ever had your elderberry syrup coagulate after sitting in the fridge for a few weeks? Smells and taste the same, just has a gelatinous texture to it.
Thank you! Going to try this.
You might look at River Hills Harvest to source your dried elderberries- they have a great product and use the line of elderberries that are Cyanide free
Hi.. How much berries would you use if using fresh not dried elderberries… Would water amount change? Thanks
I haven’t tried this recipe yet but was wondering why some include Rose Hips?
This is a staple in our house. We love it and it’s benefits!
This recipe didn’t tell how much ingredients to use just water berries and what ever else recipe like this wast people time on reading without getting the amount and I see a lot of this use a handful of this what if you want to make A cup what?
Hi Dorothy! I think you must have missed the printable recipe which does give you the exact measurements for each ingredient. There’s a handy button at the top of the post that lets you jump directly to the printable version. I’m a very precise person when it comes to writing recipes, so I even include the measurements in grams if you prefer to use a food scale when measuring out ingredients. I hope you’ll enjoy the elderberry syrup!
How much and often do I take?
I take a swig every day from my jar. When I’m sick, I take a swig from the jar every 3-4 hours.
I made this today! I always triple the batch and give a jar to family and friends. I also toss in a whole orange, cut into large pieces. And I cook in the instant pot for 9 minutes (instead of on the stove), quick release, then let sit at room temperature. It REALLY does help fight off illness and keep my family healthy!
No matter how long I let my syrup simmer it doesn’t reduce by anywhere near half. I tried with a cover on the pan and without one but the level stays pretty much just below where it started after 1 1/2 hours of simmering
I accidentally put the honey in before boiling! Will it be any good?
Yes, it should still turn out just fine!
Is this good for 2 weeks or 6 to 8 weeks?
How do you make elderberry capsules. I have been making g this syrup for a yr or so. It is too sweet so I cut back about 1/2. I canned the extra, that worked very nice.
If I have my own elderberry tree can I use the berries off it rather than dried berries?
Can you use fresh instead of dried elderberries?
Easy and tasty
Fantastic! Already made 3 times ❤️
Just wanted to make a clarification. American elderberries (Sambucas Canadensis) do not contain the same precursors of cyanide as other elderberries, meaning they can be processed using little to no heat.
This recipe looks good! I foraged fresh elderberries last year and have many in my freezer right now. Have you made this with fresh elderberries or could you recommend the proper ratio of fresh instead of dried? Thanks!