Best Homemade Elderberry Syrup for Immune Support
This homemade elderberry syrup is a potent, delicious immune booster made with simple ingredients like dried elderberries, raw honey, and warming spices. It’s easy to make, cost-effective, 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 (150g) dried elderberries
- 4 cups (960ml) water
- 1 cup (340g) raw honey
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (about 15g)
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves (about 5–6 cloves)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper or 1 vanilla bean
Instructions
- Combine dried elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, and whole cloves in a medium saucepan. Stir gently.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, until liquid is reduced by about half.
- After 30 minutes, mash the berries gently with the back of a wooden spoon. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer (lined with cheesecloth if desired) into a large bowl or heatproof measuring cup. Let drain naturally.
- Let the strained liquid cool for 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot (about 120°F/49°C).
- Stir in the raw honey until fully dissolved.
- Pour the syrup into sterilized glass jars using a funnel, leaving ½ inch headspace. Cool completely before sealing.
- Refrigerate the syrup. It will thicken slightly as it chills.
Notes
Do not add honey to boiling liquid; wait until it cools to about 120°F to preserve enzymes. For a vegan option, substitute maple syrup for honey. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 months or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune support, homemade syrup, cold season, natural remedy, elderberry recipe