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You are here: Home / Recipes / Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

By: Courtney Published: September 25, 2019 4 CommentsUpdated on: July 16, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
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Learn how to make Elderberry Syrup at home! Our elderberry syrup recipe is made with dried elderberries and raw honey to help boost your immune system against the common cold and flu. (1)elderberry syrup recipe in a glass mason jar with spoon

There are many recipes out there and many products as well, from elderberry gummies, elderberry cough drops, and of course elderberry syrup.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP BENEFITS

Whenever someone thinks about home remedies during the cold and flu season they automatically think of Elderberries. They’re naturally high in immune-boosting compounds and have been shown to those who want quickly combat the cold or flu. Elderberries are rich in flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, their deep purple coloring tells you that it’s rich in antioxidants. They are also believed to contain powerful antiviral agents that help deactivate viruses, which most medicines cannot treat viruses. (2) (3)
 
dry elderberries in a measuring cup
 
When it comes to using elderberry it’s a more natural approach, and can help as there’s not much you can do for a common cold or a mild case of the flu. Most of the time it passes it’s own, but not quickly and not without discomfort.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP INGREDIENTS

The base is water, elderberries, and a natural sweetener like honey. Honey is rich in antioxidants and also has antibacterial properties, but if you cannot consume honey you may use your preferred vegan sweetener. Add cinnamon, cloves, ginger, lemon or even orange to flavor the elderberry syrup.

Keep in mind that a child cannot have honey until they reach at least 12 months of age (1 year old) due to the spores in honey which can cause botulism in children under 1. These bacteria can germinate in a baby’s immature digestive system causing infant botulism. Adults and children over 1 are able to safely consume honey without issue. (4)

HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP

making elderberry syrup in a sauce pan step by step

In a saucepan, you’ll combine the dried elderberries, water, and any spices or flavorings. Bring this mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to simmer for 45-60 minutes or longer if needed to reduce the liquid by about half.

Once the mixture has simmered you’ll strain the elderberry syrup and then allow to cool slightly before stirring in your preferred sweetener.

ELDERBERRY SYRUP DOSAGE

dose of eldeberry syrup on a teaspoon

Standard daily dosing:

  • 1 teaspoon for children
  • 2 teaspoons for adults

When you’re sick you can increase the dosing to 4 times a day until symptoms go away.

HOW LONG DOES ELDERBERRY SYRUP LAST AND HOW DO YOU STORE IT?

We recommend using elderberry syrup within 1 month of making. You should properly store elderberry syrup in the refrigerator in an airtight container. 
 
homemade elderberry syrup in a mason jar

RECIPE NOTES:

  • You can find the dried eldeberries we use, here.
  • Use dried elderberries from a trusted and reliable source.
  • Remove any unripe berries, twigs, leaves.
  • Do not cover the syrup while cooking, you need the liquid to reduce and thicken.
  • Do not add the honey until the mixture is slightly cooled as the high heat will kill any of the beneficial properties.
  • You can use maple syrup or other preferred sweeteners as well.
  • Easily flavor to your liking by adding citrus rind (we recommend using organic) or even fresh ginger.
  • Honey is not safe for children under 12 months of age. (4)

It’s important to remove all twigs, unripe berries before cooking. You also need to cook them long enough and properly so that the toxin in the seeds is fully cooked out. The seeds, stems, and bark contain cyanide-inducing glycoside, eating too many or not properly prepared (5) can make you quite ill as it would build up a toxic amount of cyanide in the body. This is why we discard the elderberries after making the syrup. (6) Please see our nutrition disclaimer.

elderberry syrup recipe
Print Recipe

Elderberry Syrup

Learn how to make Elderberry Syrup at home! Our elderberry syrup recipe is made with dried elderberries and raw honey to help boost your immune system against the common cold and flu.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: elderberry syrup, elderberry syrup recipe
Servings: 144 teaspoons
Calories: 8kcal
Author: Courtney

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black elderberries
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 cup maple syrup OR raw honey
  • orange or lemon slices optional

Instructions

  • Pour the water into a saucepan and then add in the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and orange.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, cooked uncovered.
  • Once the mixture is reduced by half remove from the heat and allow to cool.
  • Strain the liquid and discard the berries, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
  • When the elderberry syrup is cool to the touch add in the honey and stir until combined.
  • Store in the refrigerator and use as needed or to just boost your immunity.
Nutrition
Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 4mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg
nutrition disclaimer
Tried this recipe?Mention @KnowYourProduce or tag #knowyourproduce!

 

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posted in: Drinks Recipes
cinnamon clove elderberries honey maple syrup

Meet Courtney

Fruit and Veggie lover. I love making produce fun and delicious, not to mention taking tons of pictures in the process! :-)

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  1. Dria says

    September 27, 2019 at 10:15 am

    hi, can this be frozen or does it lose its healing properties ? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      September 28, 2019 at 8:14 am

      Yes, you can freeze it. We’re not sure how much of the beneficial properties will be lost, but think it would be minimal.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    January 21, 2020 at 5:51 am

    The instructions mention orange but I don’t see it in the ingredient list?

    Reply
    • Courtney says

      January 21, 2020 at 8:17 pm

      Orange or lemon slices are completely optional. You would add it in with the other ingredients. 🙂

      Reply

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