This homemade elderberry syrup recipe is one of the most well known natural wellness remedies, passed down and used for generations by my family members looking for a DIY, ecofriendly way to easily support the immune system all year long. From The Manufacturer: For centuries the dark berries of European black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) have been traditionally used as a winter remedy. The syrup of these berries is a warm flavoured, good textured and gently pacifying.
A lot of people enjoy making syrup at home for the fresh factor and knowing there’s no hidden preservatives, plus being able to control sweetness level and the strength. Although elderberry syrup is not a medical treatment, it’s a popular wellness booster for many people, particularly in autumn and winter months when having an extra layer of natural support feels right.
In the same style as your previous posts, you’re taken through everything you need to know via this guide. You will find out what elderberry syrup is, how it aids the body, why it’s so popular-kitchen-counter-top remedy to have during cold and flu season, how to make it and so much more. There are clear introductions to each section, simple straightforward recipes and helpful detail that makes the recipe feel easy and achievable for anyone – regardless of whether you’re new to natural remedies or already familiar with homemade wellness blends!
Table of Contents
What Elderberry Syrup Is, and Why People Use It
Elderberry syrup, a homemade liquid from cooked dried elderberries and other ingredients like water, spices and honey that have all been simmered down together into this deep dark sweet simple thick syrup full of healthful goodness. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and other compounds that many people believe support immune health. A spoonful a day keeps the doctor away This is the traditional way to enjoy your elderberry syrup on a daily basis, to use it when seasons change or simply pour into drink.
The taste is fresher, much cheaper than store bought and control of ingredient quality. Packaged syrups are frequently sweetened or adulterated. And homemade ones let you customize the flavor, consistency and strength.
Another reason of its popularity is the flexibility it allows. Elderberry syrup can be put in tea, draped on yogurt, blended into smoothies or taken straight. It’s soft, tasty and very homey. It has blossomed into a common household remedy in many parts of the world because it is so simple, safe for most people when used correctly and easy to tailor.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup – Step by Step Recipe
Here’s a simple and easy recipe for homemade elderberry syrup you will love, and it takes around 45 minutes to make. It requires basic ingredients and makes a tasty syrup that keeps good and yummy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional add ins
- 1 teaspoon clove
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 vanilla bean split
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions Begin by pouring dried elderberries into medium sized saucepan and water. And ginger and cinnamon give us cozy warmth and depth. For more complexity, throw in clove, turmeric or vanilla as well. Reduce the heat to medium and allow the mixture to come to a low simmer. When it is gently bubbling, turn the heat down so that it simmers for 30 minutes. This long, slow simmering enhances the natural properties and flavors of the berries.
As the liquid evaporates, you will see the color change to a dark purple. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the simmer time is complete, remove from heat and allow to cool on its own. Strain the warm mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth (if you have one). If still very hot, Press lightly until all the liquid comes out. Be careful not to mash the berries too much since elderberry seeds are bitter.
Allow the liquid to cool completely before stirring in honey. Heating something with honey can destroy the good effects of the honey. Gradually mix in the honey to form a smooth, sweet and well balanced syrup. How sweet do you like your syrup? Why yes, I can!. When the two are well combined, transfer to a glass jar and keep in the fridge.
This elderberry syrup recipe keeps well up to two months if properly refrigerated. For general use, adults take one tablespoon per day and children take one teaspoon per day, though your personal needs may be different. If you want to take it in a more enjoyable way, simply add the syrup into drinks.
How This Elderberry Syrup Recipe Works So Well
This natural syrup is great as it consists of actual nutrients and not a pile of fillers. Elderberries An Incredibly Effective Plant Elderberry itself contains natural goodness, and the spices in this recipe have some great characteristics of their own! Ginger is a warming herb and supports digestive function, while cinnamon provides depth and aromatic comfort, with the honey serving not only as a sweetener but also as a preservative.”
Taking the heat down nice and low on the elderberries and letting them slowly simmer gets color and nutrients out of them, which is what you are looking for, really. The cooling portion is necessary to preserve the honey’s enzymes. The end product is a soothing, flavorful syrup that tastes nurturing and comforting. Elderberry syrup also feels supportive and gentle, which many people like to take during colder months,… or just incorporate as part of a daily wellness routine.
Store bought kind is best to avoid and the reason for that is because of its freshness, and pureness. You know exactly what is going in, you can avoid excessive sugar, and the flavor strength can be adjusted to personal preference. It can easily be incorporated into a natural lifestyle, as it’s easy to use and based on traditional herbal knowledge.
Elderberry Syrup Tips to Make it Better
Here are a few tips on how to improve flavor, texture and potency of the syrup.
Use high quality berries
You should request and purchase dried elderberries from a reliable supplier to avoid additives, fillers or lesser quality.
Simmer gently
Too loud a boil is just going to break the berries unevenly, so keep it mild.
Cool fully before adding honey
This is to preserve the nutrient values of honey as well as mouthfeel.
Store in glass
Glass jars keep beers fresher longer, and hold flavors in smoky place.
While the recipe is easy, there are some mistakes that can change the way it tastes or its quality.
Using crushed or powdered berries
These can get turn the syrup gritty and unappetizing since you’re not supposed to eat elderberry seeds.
Skipping the straining step
Any berries that are left over may impart a bitter taste to the syrup and shorten its shelf life.
Adding honey when hot
This diminishes its natural properties and may alter taste.
Over sweetening
The flavor of the elderberries is too overpowered by too much honey.
Variations You Can Try
If you’d like to tailor your syrup, here are a few basic variations.
Citrus blend
Simmer with a strip of lemon or orange peel for a sunny citrus perfume.
Spiced winter version
Throw in star anise or nutmeg for a warm, holiday flavor.
Sugar free version
Substitute honey with monk fruit sweetener for a low calorie alternative.
Thicker syrup
It’s OK if the consistency is a little bit watery or brothy; simmer it longer and you will reduce the liquid and get a much richer texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh elderberries rather than dried?
Yes, just make them double the quantity since dried berries are more concentrated.
How long is homemade elderberry syrup good for?
The refrigerator, up to two months in a closed glass jar.
Can children take elderberry syrup?
Most kids over the age of 1 can have it Yes, because it has honey in it. Don’t offer honey to babies younger than 1.
Can I freeze the syrup?
Yes it does! It makes the perfect freezer meal in small batches and should last for at least six months.
Can I take it daily?
A Lot of people do a small amount every day, as always listen to your body and go with what you feel.
How to make elderberry syrup from scratch Homemade elderberry syrup is one of the easiest and most pleasant tasting natural home wellness remedies you can DIY at home. It tastes good, is healthy, versatile and customisable. Whether you enjoy it in a cup of tea, a spoonful at a time or even when you’re cooking, on-the-go immune support has never been so delicious—or so easy. If you use good ingredients, simmer gently and store properly, your elderberry syrup will become a go-to staple in your homemade cough-syrup remedy arsenal that also adds warmth and nutrition.
