Homemade Elderberry Syrup: Best Immune Support Recipe
This homemade elderberry syrup is a simple, effective immune support recipe made with dried elderberries, spices, and raw honey. It’s perfect for cold season and tastes like a sweet, spiced tea.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- Optional: peel from 1 orange (orange part only)
Instructions
- Rinse the dried elderberries in a fine-mesh strainer under cool water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed elderberries, water, sliced ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel (if using). Stir gently.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes. The liquid should reduce by about half.
- Check the color and consistency: the liquid should be deep, dark purple. If still thin, simmer another 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large bowl or measuring cup. Gently press on the berries to extract liquid, but avoid pressing too hard.
- Let the strained liquid cool completely to room temperature (about 30-45 minutes).
- Once completely cool, stir in the raw honey until fully incorporated.
- Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Do not add honey while the syrup is hot; high heat destroys honey’s beneficial properties. Let the syrup cool completely first. For a vegan version, substitute maple syrup for honey. Do not give honey to children under 1 year old. The syrup keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14
- Carbohydrates: 15
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune support, homemade, natural remedy, cold season, elderberry recipe