Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Cold Season
This homemade elderberry syrup is a simple, kid-approved immune booster made with dried elderberries, honey, and warming spices. It’s cost-effective, customizable, and perfect for cold season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger root, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon dried echinacea root (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried rose hips (optional)
Instructions
- Combine the dried elderberries, water, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in a medium saucepan. Stir briefly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by about half.
- After about 20 minutes of simmering, gently mash the berries against the side of the pot with the back of a wooden spoon to release more flavor.
- Strain the hot liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or heatproof measuring cup. Let it drain naturally without squeezing the berries.
- Allow the strained liquid to cool until warm (about 100°F to 110°F), typically 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir in the raw honey until fully dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle, seal tightly, and let cool completely before refrigerating.
Notes
Do not boil the honey; let the liquid cool first to preserve beneficial enzymes. Strain patiently without squeezing the berries to avoid bitterness. The syrup thickens as it chills. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze in ice cube trays for up to a year.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: elderberry syrup, homemade syrup, immune support, cold season, elderberry recipe, honey syrup, natural remedy