Homemade Elderberry Syrup (Simple Recipe For Immune Support)
Elderberry syrup is a popular natural remedy for boosting the immune system. Learn how to make your own elderberry syrup with this simple recipe.
Fall time favorite recipe for an easy homemade elderberry syrup. It simmers slowly for great flavor! And has many uses around a natural home.
This post has been updated from its original publish date of October 11, 2018. It has been updated to provide better photos, additional helpful information and step by step instructions.
Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider for specific medical advice.
Easy Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Boost your immune system and fight off colds and flu with this easy homemade elderberry syrup recipe. Made with natural ingredients, this syrup is a delicious and effective way to stay healthy.
Uses for elderberry syrup can include making homemade gummies, in herbal teas, lozenges, jams, wine, and just as a syrup.
This recipe is very simple and doesn’t take very long to make. I definitely recommend using organic and pure ingredients. Here’s a great option.
There are many awesome benefits of taking elderberry syrup. We love to add it to our routine along with homemade bone broth.
I have sampled many recipes over the years and altered many of them to create the best option for my family. This is the recipe my family has used for the last several years.
The honey that we use is usually local, but any organic raw honey should work well.
Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Homemade elderberry syrup offers several health benefits, particularly due to its high concentration of vitamins, antioxidants, and immune-boosting properties.
Here are some of the key benefits:
Immune System Support
Rich in Vitamin C: Elderberries are high in vitamin C, which is essential for a strong immune system.
Antiviral Properties: Elderberry syrup is often used to prevent or reduce the severity of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. It’s believed to block viruses from entering cells and multiplying.
Antioxidant Power
High in Antioxidants: Elderberries are packed with antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases.
Cold & Flu Relief
Shortens Duration: Studies have shown that elderberry syrup may reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms if taken at the first signs of illness. (source 1, source 2)
Year-Round Benefits: Regular use of elderberry syrup can help maintain overall health and strengthen the immune system throughout the year, not just during cold and flu season.
All Natural Ingredients
No Additives: Homemade elderberry syrup allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring there are no artificial preservatives, colors, or sweeteners.
Customizable Sweetness: You can adjust the sweetness to your preference using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Budget Friendly
Affordable: Making your own elderberry syrup at home is often more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made versions, especially if you can source elderberries locally.
Multiple Uses: Elderberry syrup can be taken on its own, added to teas, smoothies, or used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup (Step by Step)
Add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon sticks and water to a large pot and stir together. I like to use a large Dutch Oven. Bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to a simmer.
Partially cover with a lid and allow to simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes. Or until the liquid has reduced by half.
Strain out the liquid into a large bowl. I usually use a fine mesh sieve, but you can use a cheesecloth over a strainer. Whatever works best for you. Strain off the berries and discard the elderberries, ginger and cinnamon sticks.
Add honey to your syrup and the ground spices if you’re using it (see note). Mix well.
Pour into glass mason jars or something similar for storage (glass is best) and add a refrigerator safe lid. I also like to transfer to a dropper bottle for easier dosing.
Store in the fridge. This can be kept for a couple of months, but should be used up within three.
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 cups filtered water
- 2 inches fresh ginger sliced
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- 2 cups of raw local honey
- 2 cups dried elderberry
Instructions
- Add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon sticks and water to a large pot, bring to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to a simmer.
- Partially cover with a lid and allow to simmer for approximately 30-40 minutes. Or until the liquid has reduced by half.
- Strain out the liquid into a large bowl. I usually use a sieve, but you can use a cheesecloth over a strainer. Whatever works best for you. Discard elderberries, ginger and cinnamon sticks.
- Add honey to your syrup and the ground spices if you’re using it (see note). Mix well.
- Pour into glass mason jars or something similar for storage (glass is best) and add a refrigerator safe lid.
- Store in the fridge. This can be kept for a couple of months, but should be used up within three.
Thanks for sharing this easy-to-make homemade elderberry syrup recipe. I would just like to clarify that if honey isn’t used in this recipe, it would now be safe for children to take?
I am not a doctor, so I would always check there first. Honey is the only restriction that I am aware of, but it is always best to check with a physician first. 🙂
It’s so nice of you for sharing this elderberry recipe. Thanks and I wish you and your family well!
Thank you! That’s very kind. 🙂
Thank you Mary for sharing this recipe! I will try this on pancakes and see how it will taste like.
Hi there! About how many mason jars could you fill with this recipe?
It fills a quart size jar.