Easy Homemade Elderberry Syrup: Immune Boosting Recipe
This easy elderberry syrup recipe is a simple, small-batch immune booster made with dried elderberries, honey, and warming spices. It’s quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and perfect for cold season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup dried elderberries (about 60 grams)
- 2 cups filtered water (480 ml)
- 1/2 cup raw honey (170 grams)
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon)
- 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced (about 15 grams)
- 3 whole cloves (or 1/4 teaspoon ground)
- 1 strip orange zest, optional (about 2 inches)
Instructions
- Combine the dried elderberries and filtered water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Add the cinnamon stick, sliced ginger, cloves, and orange zest (if using). Stir gently.
- Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes. After about 20 minutes, gently mash the berries against the side of the pot with a spoon. The liquid should reduce by about half.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or measuring cup. Press gently on the berries to extract liquid, then discard solids.
- Let the strained liquid cool completely to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
- Once cool, stir in the raw honey until fully dissolved.
- Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate immediately.
Notes
Do not add honey to hot liquid to preserve beneficial enzymes. For children under 1 year, substitute maple syrup for honey. Store in refrigerator for 2-3 weeks or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 9
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune boosting, homemade, small batch, elderberry recipe, natural remedy