How to make elderberry syrup

Give your immune system a serious boost this fall and winter with this delicious homemade elderberry syrup!

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Have you ever wondered how hard it could be to make elderberry syrup? It can be pretty spendy to buy but I’m going to share how easy it is to make at home for a fraction of the price plus some health benefits too!

September has arrived! And that means it’s back to school season…. which means the dreaded cold and flu season is not far away. I am always trying to think of ways to boost our immune systems naturally. Elderberry syrup is the absolute star of the immune boosting show! It’s the best when it comes to vitamin C and reducing symptoms in colds. I started making this syrup about 3 years ago at the height of the pandemic. Now it is a staple in our home as an immune booster. We take this every day along with our multivitamins just as a way to bolster our immune systems. Not only are elderberries a superfood, but this syrup is also delicious and tastes like Christmas! Not to mention is makes your home smell divine.

I am in no way giving medical advice, but I will say my 3-year old’s doctor spoke positively about elderberry syrup and said it has all the vitamin C he needs for the day! I enjoy taking a tablespoon a day (and a tsp for the kiddos 2 and up).

Here are the ingredients you will need to make your own homemade elderberry syrup:

• dried organic elderberries (The elderberries I use are linked here.)
• cinnamon sticks
• whole clove
• raw ginger
• lemon or orange
• raw honey
• blackstrap molasses
• organic apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. In a medium sized sauce pan, simmer together 3 cups of water, elderberries, cinnamon sticks, ginger, clove, and lemon or orange (optional) for 30 minutes.
2. Strain into a large bowl and let cool.
3. Add in the honey, the molasses, and the ACV. Stir the mixture.
4. Funnel into an airtight bottle or jar.
5. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.

Don’t forget to print the recipe below on how to make elderberry syrup!

Health benefits!

Elderberries are packed with vitamin C. They are a powerful antioxidant containing quercetin which can support respiratory health and can lower inflammation and stress.

Ginger has many health benefits and is known to reduce nausea and can relieve digestive issues. Compounds in ginger called gingerol and shogaol can lower inflammation and help to manage blood pressure and blood sugars.

Clove is high in antioxidants and can kill bacteria. Amazingly, clove is known to reduce oxidative stress and stomach ulcers.

Cinnamon can boost heart health and can fight infection. It contains antimicrobial, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Raw honey is a good source of antioxidants and contains antibacterial and antifungal properties. Honey has been proven to soothe a sore throat and reduce cough.

Blackstrap molasses is rich in antioxidants, iron, potassium and magnesium. It has been shown to reduce headaches and anemia.

Apple Cider Vinegar can kill harmful bacteria, may help with lowering blood sugar levels and boost skin health.

Click here to read more on the amazing benefits of elderberries.

Yield: 2 1/4 cups

Elderberry Syrup

Print

Let's make this delicious elderberry syrup packed with antioxidants and immune fighting properties to kick cold and flu season in the boo-tay!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Additional Time 1 minute

Total Time 36 minutes

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup dried organic elderberries
• 3 cups water
• 1 thumb raw ginger
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tsp of whole clove
• 1 quartered lemon or orange (optional)
• 1 cup raw honey
• 1 Tbs apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbs blackstrap molasses

Instructions

1. Bring water, elderberries, cinnamon, ginger, citrus, and clove to a boil.

2. Lower heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Strain into a large bowl and let cool completely.

4. Add honey, ACV and molasses to the elderberry mixture.

5. Stir until well combined and funnel into an airtight glass bottle or mason jar.

6. Store in the fridge for up to 2 months.

7. Take up to a tablespoon daily. (1 teaspoon for kids under 12)*

Notes

*Elderberry syrup in excess can cause stomach upset so keep that in mind when giving to little ones.

Elderberries can cause extreme stomach upset if eaten dry/uncooked. Keep out of reach of children.

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