Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Cold Season
A simple, delicious homemade elderberry syrup made with dried elderberries, honey, and warm spices. Perfect for immune support during cold season, this syrup is easy to make and tastes great in tea or straight off the spoon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups (32 servings of 1 tablespoon each) 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) dried elderberries
- 4 cups (960 ml) water, preferably filtered
- 1 large piece fresh ginger root (about 2 inches), sliced into thin rounds
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 cup (340 g) raw honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine dried elderberries and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low. Add sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Cover and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes until liquid reduces by about half and turns deep purple.
- Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash the berries against the side of the pot to release more flavor.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or measuring cup. Let drain completely, pressing gently on solids with a spoon.
- Let the strained liquid cool for 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot.
- Stir in raw honey and fresh lemon juice until honey is completely dissolved.
- Pour syrup into clean glass jars or bottles using a funnel, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Seal tightly and let cool completely before refrigerating.
Notes
Do not add honey to boiling hot liquid as it destroys beneficial enzymes. Let the strained liquid cool to warm before adding honey. For children under one year, replace honey with maple syrup. If syrup crystallizes in the fridge, set jar in warm water for a few minutes and shake gently. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11
- Carbohydrates: 12
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