Elderberry syrup is simple to make and brings together the tangy taste of elderberries with warming spices. Perfect for boosting your immune system or adding to desserts, drinks, and more.
I first encountered elderberry syrup years ago when I was looking for a natural way to boost my immune system during the flu season.
A friend of mine, who swore by its benefits, shared her homemade elderberry syrup with me when she saw the elder tree in my garden that was bursting with elderberries. I hadn't realised that I could make such good use of them!
The first thing that struck me was its deep, rich flavor—a perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a hint of warmth from the spices. It tastes like the holidays.
Since then, I’ve made elderberry syrup every year when the tree outside my office bursts with berries. I love experimenting with the recipe, tweaking the amount of spices and honey to create different flavor profiles. There’s something incredibly rewarding about making a batch of syrup from scratch, knowing that it’s not only delicious but also potentially beneficial for health.
I love drizzling it over pancakes, or over a bowl of yogurt and berries. It's also awesome on cheesecake or over vanilla ice cream.
But this syrup is not just for its taste; it’s also renowned for its potential health benefits. Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to support the immune system.
Simple to make, tastes incredible, and good for you. Win win!
Looking for more immune-boosting recipes? Be sure to check out these 16 Cold and Flu Fighting Recipes. Or whip up a Turmeric Tonic.
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What are Elderberries?
What Are Elderberries?
Elderberries are small, dark purple berries that grow on the Sambucus tree, commonly found in Europe and North America.
Known for their tart flavor and rich nutrient profile, elderberries are often used in jams, jellies, wines, and syrups, as well as in traditional medicine for their immune-boosting properties.
Disclaimer: Always ensure you’re foraging the correct elderberries. Raw berries, stems, and leaves can be toxic—never consume them uncooked. If unsure if they're correct, consult an expert before harvesting or using elderberries.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Immune Boosting: Elderberries are known for their immune-supporting properties, making this syrup a great addition to your daily routine, especially during cold and flu season.
- Versatile: Use elderberry syrup in drinks, desserts, or simply take a spoonful as a natural remedy.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your taste.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses just a few basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
- Homemade Goodness: Making your syrup means no preservatives or artificial flavors, just pure, natural goodness.
Ingredients
- Fresh or Dried Elderberries: These are the star of the show, providing that deep, tart flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, dried elderberries work just as well.
- Cinnamon Stick: Adds warmth and depth to the syrup. You can skip it or use ground cinnamon if you prefer.
- Fresh Ginger: Brings a bit of heat and brightness. Ground ginger can be a substitute, though fresh is best.
- Whole Cloves: Offer a hint of spice and a slightly sweet aroma. Omit if you’re not a fan of cloves.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the tartness of the elderberries. Maple syrup can be used as an alternative. If using granulated sugar, use ½ cup and add it with the ingredients at the start.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Tips for Foraging for Elderberries
Foraging for elderberries can be enjoyable, but safety is key. Here are essential tips:
- Identify Correctly: Ensure you’re picking Sambucus nigra or Sambucus canadensis. Look for dark purple-black berries growing in clusters.
- Harvest Safely: Collect fully ripe berries from late summer to early fall, avoiding unripe green ones, which are toxic.
- Never Eat Raw: Elderberries contain toxins that can cause illness if eaten raw. Always remove stems and leaves, then cook the berries to make them safe for consumption.
- Forage Responsibly: Harvest only what you need, avoid polluted areas, and check local laws or obtain permission if on private land.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
If using fresh elderberries, then strip the berries from their stems.
Discard the stems and rinse the berries thoroughly. Pick out and discard any unripe green elderberries.
In a medium saucepan, combine the elderberries, water, and optional ingredients (cinnamon sticks, ginger, and cloves).
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour, until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Pour it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing the berries to extract as much liquid as possible.
Once the liquid has cooled to room temperature, stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Adjust the amount of honey to taste if needed.
Pour the syrup into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several weeks.
What Does Elderberry Syrup Taste Like?
This Elderberry syrup recipe has a deep, earthy flavor that is tart with a subtle sweetness, especially when paired with honey. The spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves add warmth and complexity. It taste festive and rich.
Ways to Use It
- Medicinal: Take a spoonful daily during flu season to support your immune system.
- Culinary: Use as a natural sweetener in recipes or as a topping for desserts.
- Drinks: Mix into cocktails or mocktails for a unique flavor.
- Gift: Bottled elderberry syrup makes a thoughtful homemade gift.
Variations
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest and juice of a lemon or orange for a brighter, more citrusy syrup.
- Herbal Infusion: Incorporate herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more savory twist.
- Alcoholic Version: Add a splash of brandy or whiskey after the syrup has cooled for a boozy version.
Serving Suggestions
- Drinks: Stir into tea, cocktails, prosecco, or even sparkling water for a flavorful twist.
- Breakfast: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Desserts: Use as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or cheesecake.
- Straight Up: Take a spoonful daily as an immune booster.
Flavour Pairings for Elderberries
- Citrus: Lemon, lime, and orange brighten the tartness of elderberries.
- Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg complement the earthy flavors.
- Herbs: Thyme and rosemary add a savory note to the syrup.
- Vanilla: Softens the tartness and adds warmth.
- Honey: Balances the tartness with natural sweetness.
Storage
Store: Store the elderberry syrup in a sterilized glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three weeks. For longer storage, freeze the syrup in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need.
Top tips
- Sterilize Your Jars: Ensure your jars are properly sterilized to extend the shelf life of your syrup.
- Don’t Overheat the Honey: Add honey after the syrup has cooled to retain its natural properties.
- Press the Berries: After simmering, press the berries to extract as much juice as possible, ensuring you get the most out of your ingredients.
- Strain Well: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all solids, leaving a smooth syrup.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your palate.
FAQs
Yes, dried elderberries work just as well. Use about half the amount called for fresh berries.
Yes, the spices are optional. The syrup will still be delicious with just elderberries and honey.
Elderberry Benefits
Elderberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly vitamin C and flavonoids, which support the immune system.
They’re believed to reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms.
Elderberries also have anti-inflammatory properties, may support heart health by improving circulation, and have been used traditionally to alleviate allergy symptoms and promote overall well-being.
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📖 Recipe
Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- Pot
- Fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh elderberries 300g or 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups water 950ml
- 1 cinnamon stick optional
- 1 inch fresh ginger thinly sliced (optional)
- 5 whole cloves optional
- 3 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- If using fresh elderberries, then strip the berries from their stems (using your fingers or a fork). Discard the stems and rinse the berries thoroughly. Pick out and discard any unripe green elderberries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the elderberries, water, and optional ingredients (cinnamon sticks, ginger, and cloves).
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour, until the liquid has reduced by almost half.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Pour it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing the berries to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Once the liquid has cooled to room temperature, stir in the honey until fully dissolved. Adjust the amount of honey to taste if needed.
- Pour the syrup into a sterilized glass jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep for several weeks.
- NOTE: Do not eat raw elderberries, stems or leaves.
Notes
- Sterilize Your Jars: Ensure your jars are properly sterilized to extend the shelf life of your syrup.
- Don’t Overheat the Honey: Add honey after the syrup has cooled to retain its natural properties.
- Press the Berries: After simmering, press the berries to extract as much juice as possible, ensuring you get the most out of your ingredients.
- Strain Well: Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all solids, leaving a smooth syrup.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness and spices to suit your palate.
- Don't eat raw elderberry berries, leaves or stems.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
chara
Perfect timing! I have an elder tree and I make elderflower cordial, but I didn't realise I could use the berries for anything! I have a lot of berries so I made this syrup (I left out the ginger since I didn't have any). We'll take a teaspoon a day as a tonic, but I loved the flavor so we had it on ice cream too! Tomorrow I'll try it on yogurt and berries for breakfast.
Elisa
Love this Elderberry syrup recipe, I never tried it before so I will make it soon. Love is so healthy and looks delicious. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Anjali
I had no idea it was so easy to make elderberry syrup from scratch at home! This turned out great and was so much more budget-friendly than the store-bought version!