Description
This Homemade Elderberry Syrup is a natural immune booster made from dried or fresh elderberries simmered with warming spices and sweetened with honey. Easy to prepare and perfect for supporting wellness during cold seasons, this syrup can be enjoyed on its own or added to teas and drinks.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 4 cups dried organic elderberries (OR 8 cups fresh or frozen elderberries)
- 8 cups water (OR 1 cup if using fresh elderberries)
- 16-24 ounces honey
Spices
- 2 tbsp freshly grated raw ginger (OR 1 tsp ginger powder)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (OR 2 whole cinnamon sticks)
- 1/2 tsp cloves (ground or whole)
Optional
- Up to 1/2 cup liquor of choice (for preservation and flavor)
Instructions
- Simmer Base: Add 8 cups of water and 4 cups of dried elderberries (or 8 cups of fresh elderberries with 1 cup of water) into a saucepan and place over medium-low heat to bring to a simmer.
- Add Spices: Once simmering, add cinnamon, cloves, and freshly grated ginger. Continue simmering gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Cool Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the elderberry mixture to cool slightly to a safe handling temperature.
- Strain Syrup: Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth set over a bowl, strain the mixture thoroughly. Press the berries with a spoon or by hand to extract as much juice as possible for maximum flavor.
- Combine with Honey: Return the strained elderberry juice to the saucepan and add honey. Whisk thoroughly to combine, gently warming in a warm water bath if necessary to soften the honey; avoid microwaving or boiling to preserve honey’s nutrients.
- Add Optional Liquor: If desired, stir in up to half a cup of liquor to act as a natural preservative and add flavor complexity.
- Store Syrup: Pour the finished elderberry syrup into jars or bottles and refrigerate. Without added liquor, it will remain fresh for about three months. Use until any signs of mold develop.
Notes
- You can substitute dried elderberries with fresh or frozen; adjust water accordingly.
- Honey acts as a natural preservative but avoid overheating it to maintain its beneficial properties.
- Adding liquor is optional but can extend shelf life.
- Store syrup in the refrigerator.
- This syrup supports immune health and can be used as a daily supplement or during illness.
- Always consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for children, pregnant women, or those with health conditions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Syrup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
