Go Back
Elderberry syrup

Elderberry Syrup

by Laura Harshbarger
Elderberries have a long history of medicinal use dating back to ancient Egypt and can help reduce cold and flu symptoms. This recipe only requires 3 ingredients!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup elderberries
  • 4 cups filtered water
  • ¾ cup raw honey

Optional

  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1 inch knob of ginger, sliced

Instructions
 

  • Add elderberries, water, and any optional ingredients to a saucepan.
  • Bring to a boil and then turn down to a gentle simmer.
  • Let simmer for 30-35 minutes. It will appear to be mostly berries by the time the time is up. Do not let it boil for 30-35 minutes, only a gentle simmer.  If for some reason it hasn’t cooked down enough, simmer it a bit longer. You are shooting for having 1 cup or so of liquid.
  • Remove from heat and let cool till you can handle the mixture
  • Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Make sure you press the berries with a spoon and get all remaining juices out.  You can also use a nut milk bag.  This mixture may stain a nut milk bag. 
  • You should have about one cup of liquid. Add to a 16 ounce glass jar and let cool till lukewarm.   Then add honey, add lid and stir or shake.  Make sure you let the mixture cool long enough before you add the honey.  If you add the honey while the liquid is too hot, it will destroy some of the nutrients in the honey.   If you have more or less than a cup of liquid, bump the amount of honey up or down accordingly.
  • Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to one month. I have seen some recipes say this keeps for 2 months due to the high sugar content.

Notes

You should speak with your physician before beginning any new supplements. The typical dosage is 1 teaspoon for an adult and 1/2 teaspoon for a child.  Please note, a child under one year old should not consume honey.  Eating the berries uncooked may produce nausea or more severe symptoms.  Also note that this information is being provided for informational purposes only. I am not diagnosing or recommending treatment for any disease or other issues.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!