Elderberry is one of my most used herbal remedies during the cooler months. Both boost immunity and are delicious in a variety of recipes. We also make our own elderberry marshmallows, tea, and even kombucha. This easy elderberry syrup recipe is a great way to get all the benefits of elderberries.
Dried elderberry berries are naturally rich in antioxidants that can help fight colds and flu. It can be used in a variety of treatments, but my favorite is this simple elderberry syrup.
Elderberry: A natural remedy for colds and flu?
There is certainly a time and place for conventional medicine and doctor visits. Unfortunately, there’s not much conventional medicine can do for the common cold or even mild flu.
If you or your child has ever had a cold or the flu, you know how devastating it can be. Especially for moms. It’s terrible to see kids feel so bad and not be able to fix it. Thankfully, nature provides us with treatments that can help. If you can obtain it, please help us shorten the period.
Research has shown that black elderberry (Sambucus sativa) can help prevent these diseases. It also helps speed up recovery time for those who already have them. Elderberries have also been found to reduce discomfort during minor illnesses.
Elderberry benefits
Elderberries naturally contain vitamins A, B, and C, which stimulate the immune system. Israeli researchers have discovered that elderberries are effective against colds and flu. Their complex sugars are clinically proven to help support the immune system. Recovery time can be cut in half or more.
Dr. Madeline Mumcuoglu of Hadassah Hebrew University in Israel has discovered that elderberry releases enzymes that viruses use to invade healthy cells in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. If taken before infection, it will prevent infection. When taken after infection, it prevents the spread of the virus through the respiratory tract. In clinical trials, 20% of subjects reported significant improvement within 24 hours, 70% reported complete healing by 48 hours, and 90% reported complete healing within 3 days. In contrast, subjects given a placebo took six days to recover.
Elderberry syrup recipe with honey
Elderberry syrup provides concentrated immune-supporting benefits of black elderberry. Plus, it tastes great! My recipe uses homemade elderberry concentrate and synergistic herbs like cinnamon and ginger. Also includes raw honey, which boosts immunity. If you can’t/won’t use honey, see alternatives below the recipe.
First, start by assembling the materials. I use grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves, elderberries, and raw honey. Cinnamon sticks or whole cloves also work. Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Once boiling, remove the lid and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm. Carefully mash the berries using a spoon or other flat utensil and pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bowl. Discard the elderberries. When the liquid is no longer hot, add a cup of honey and stir well. Once the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into something like a mason jar or glass jar.
Why make your own elderberry syrup?
First, you can save a lot of money.
Natural elderberry syrup can be purchased at health food stores or online. However, they usually cost about $15 or more for 4 to 8 ounces. This recipe makes a much smaller 16 oz portion and the taste is a favorite even for kids. You can also completely customize this recipe based on your needs and taste preferences.
Don’t have dried elderberries on hand? There are also some pre-made elderberry gummies and elderberry syrups that are just as effective. However, these supplements are expensive. Also, if you have fresh or frozen elderberries on hand, use double the amount in the recipe.
This recipe makes it easy to make elderberry syrup.
elderberry syrup recipe
A simple elderberry syrup recipe with dried elderberries, honey and herbs to boost immunity. It’s delicious syrup. It can be used medicinally or in homemade pancakes and waffles.
Pour water into a medium saucepan and add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
Once boiling, remove the lid and simmer for about 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
Remove from heat and let cool until lukewarm.
Carefully mash the berries using a spoon or other flat utensil.
Pour through a strainer or cheesecloth into a glass jar or bowl. Discard the elderberries.
When the liquid is no longer hot, add a cup of honey and stir well.
Once the honey is well mixed into the elderberry mixture, pour the syrup into something like a mason jar or glass jar.
Free! Homemade elderberry syrup is ready! Store in the refrigerator and consume daily to boost immunity.
Nutritional information table
elderberry syrup recipe
Amount per serving (1 teaspoon)
calories 14
% daily value*
Fat 0.01g0%
Saturated fat 0.001g0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.004g
Monounsaturated fat 0.001g
Sodium 1mg0%
Potassium 7mg0%
Carbohydrate 4g1%
Dietary fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 0.03g0%
Vitamin A 7IU0%
Vitamin C 0.5mg1%
Calcium 1mg0%
Iron 0.04mg0%
*Percent daily intake is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Instant Pot Option: Add all ingredients except honey to Instant Pot. Seal the lid and manually set to high pressure for 9 minutes. Discharge pressure and strain. Once cooled to room temperature, add honey and mix. Standard dosage is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon for children and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon for adults. If you have the flu, take your usual dose every 2 to 3 hours instead of once a day until your symptoms go away.
Are you more of a visual person?
This is a 1 minute tutorial video on how to make elderberry syrup.
What does elderberry syrup look/taste like?
I found that the elderberry itself is a little sour and tastes like grape juice. Adding honey creates a sweet and delicious syrup. Unlike commercial versions or syrups made with sugar, this one is thin. So don’t be surprised if your elderberry syrup looks like a liquid.
What is the difference between elderberry syrup and elderberry juice?
This recipe makes strong elderberry tea or concentrate mixed with honey. Traditionally, herbal syrups are usually made using herbal tea and sugar to create a thick syrup. This version uses raw honey, so it’s thinner. However, elderberry juice is simply the juice of freshly squeezed elderberries.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
Simply put, it really depends. I found that if I put the finished syrup into Mason canning jars while it was still warm, it created an airtight seal. This allows it to be stored in the refrigerator for up to several months. As a guide, it can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks. I usually freeze what I don’t use during that time. You can also freeze some in an ice cube tray and thaw in small portions as needed.
Fresh Elderberry Syrup Recipe
You can also harvest fresh elderberries or grow your own elderberry tree. However, it is important to make sure you are growing the right plants. We also recommend working with your local herbalist to find and harvest fresh elderberries. Be sure to harvest only the fruit. The stems and leaves are poisonous.
Where is the best place to order elderberries?
Since I don’t have a local supplier, I always order in bulk online. (They always run out in the fall, so order early!) Here you can buy wild-grown and organic elderberries. If you’d like to purchase a full kit, our friends at Kombucha Kamp sell a great kit.
What is elderberry syrup used for?
Our family uses it as a preventive therapy during peak cold and flu season by taking 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per day. If you have a mild illness, double or triple the dose until you feel better. Elderberries are commonly used for immune support and can be used year-round as needed for their health benefits.
Elderberry’s unique and complex flavor makes this syrup a perfect ingredient for certain recipes. I made elderberry panna cotta using elderberry syrup instead of sweetener. It’s also delicious as a topping for homemade ice cream or pancakes.
How much elderberry syrup should I take daily?
This is exactly the question for an herbalist or natural health care provider. Personally, I take 1 teaspoon per day as an adult and give half of that to my children. Double or triple this amount during illness.
Elderberry syrup ingredients and substitutes
I like to use local raw honey whenever possible, but store-bought raw honey is also fine. I’m using fresh ginger here, but you can also use powdered ginger if you have it (just reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon). You can also use cinnamon sticks or whole cloves in place of powdered herbs.
If using powdered elderberries, use about 1/2 cup instead of the 2/3 cup in the recipe. I have used it in the past when whole elderberries were not available.
Is there a substitute for honey in elderberry syrup?
Some people prefer not to use sweeteners. Honey is also not recommended for babies under 1 year of age. Simple alternatives include:
Use maple syrup or nutrient-rich molasses instead of honey. Omit the sweetener completely (this will result in elderberry juice, which should be consumed sooner). Make an elderberry tincture for adults. Mix concentrated elderberry syrup with equal amounts of food-grade alcohol, such as vodka or brandy, in place of sweetener. This is definitely not for kids, but it’s a sweetener-free elderberry extract option for adults.
Can elderberries be reused?
Reuse is not recommended. Ideally, the boiling and mashing process removes much of the nutrients from the berries. There is also some evidence that consuming large amounts of whole berries may cause problems.
I post elderberry recipes such as elderberry kombucha and elderberry tea on my blog. You can also use this syrup to make elderberry gummies.
This article was medically reviewed by Scott Soerries, M.D., Family Physician and Medical Director at SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you consult your doctor.
Have you ever taken elderberry? Would you like to try this recipe? What natural methods do you use to prevent disease?
