Skip to main content
Deep purple elderberry syrup on a table with elderberry clusters
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Elderberry Syrup

A time-held folk remedy
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Drinks

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup dried elderberries
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or 2 tsp whole cloves
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger
  • -optional 1/2 cup honey for sweetness added AFTER you reduce.

Instructions
 

  • Combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a small saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the water has been reduced by half, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Pour the cooked berries and liquid through a fine mesh strainer, into a clean bowl, to strain out the berry skins. Use the back of a spoon to press on the berries in the strainer, to extract all of the juice, then discard or compost the pulp that's left in the strainer.
  • Allow the elderberry juice to cool to room temperature. Stir in the honey, using a whisk to incorporate it smoothly, then transfer the syrup into a sealed glass jar that you can store in the fridge.

Notes

Freeze in ice cube trays to cool down teas or hot water. Great way to add a boost of medicine.
Make candy* with the syrup by boiling with sugar and pouring into molds. 
Add to any smoothie or popsicle recipe.
Take at least 1/2 oz a day when sick.
*Do research on recipes for candy -- there are plenty!
Keyword class recipe, Elderberry

Stay Connected

Sign up for e-news to learn about special events and offerings.