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    You Are Here Home » Foraging Recipes

    Published: Jan 21, 2020 Updated: May 9, 2022 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 5 Comments

    Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Colds and Flu

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    elderberry syrup and tincture pin

    Elderberry Syrup is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Similar to elderberry shrub, it is commonly used for boosting the immune system and fighting off colds, coughs, and the influenza virus. Make sure you have this Elderberry Syrup recipe on hand for when you or your family inevitably need it!

    Elderberry syrup recipe bottle with syrup and tincture
    Besides making Elderberry Syrup for Colds, I'll also share how to make a simply two-ingredients Elderberry Tincture

    Why This Recipe Works

    Besides having a pleasant taste, Elderberry Syrup has a ton of health benefits. You can make a small batch and have it on hand whenever you feel like you're coming down with something.

    Besides the Elderberry Syrup, I will also show you how to make a simple, two-ingredient Elderberry Tincture. The Elderberry tincture is more concentrated than the Elderberry Syrup and contains either brandy or vodka.

    I like to make both Elderberry Syrup for Colds and Elderberry Tincture so that I can have both available when flu season hits. I use the syrup as a preventative, and the tincture if I'm feeling sick or rundown.

    I have made elderberry syrup using various recipes. I've found that many of the recipes online use a ratio of 1 part elderberries to 2 parts water. I personally find this ratio makes the syrup too runny.

    Although this elderberry syrup won't be as thick as store-bought syrups (or my chokecherry syrup, for example), it won't be too runny either.

    Instead of mixing in a simple sugar syrup, we will be adding raw honey to the elderberry juice instead. The honey contains anti-fungal properties, which makes it an excellent sweetener choice in this Elderberry Syrup for Colds recipe.

    Even though I prefer to use fresh berries in my homemade elderberry syrup, you can substitute dried elderberries if you'd like. This syrup can also be used to sweeten elderberry wine!

    What Goes into This Recipe

    elderberry ingredients, labeled

    How to Make This Recipe

    Step 1 | Add Ingredients to Pan

    Add elderberries, water, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slices to a small saucepan.

    Elderberry Syrup ingredients in a pot

    Step 2 | Boil and Simmer Mixture

    Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes. Use a potato masher to mash the berries to extract as much juice from the elderberries as possible.

    simmering elderberries in a pot

    Step 3 | Strain Juice

    Remove the ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or my personal favorite, reusable soup bags.

    straining elderberries using a strainer

    Step 4 | Add Honey

    Clean the pot and pour the strained syrup back in. Once warm, add the honey and stir the elderberry syrup to combine.

    elderberry syrup simmering in a pot

    Step 5 | Bottle Elderberry Syrup

    Pour the elderberry syrup into a sterilized 8-ounce jar. Store the elderberry syrup in the refrigerator for up to a month.

    elderberry syrup and tincture
    Elderberry Syrup and Tincture recipe

    How to Make Your Own Elderberry Tincture

    Making elderberry tincture is even simpler than making elderberry syrup. It's also more concentrated, so you don't need to take as much.

    One teaspoon 3 times a day is enough when suffering from a cold or influenza.

    • Fill an 8 oz mason jar half full with fresh elderberries (or ¼ cup dried berries).
    • Top with 80 proof vodka or brandy until the jar is full.
    • Seal the jar and write the date on the jar lid.
    • Store the jar in a dark cupboard for approximately one month.
    • Shake the bottle every now and then.
    • After a month, strain the liquid and store it in a dark tincture bottle.
    • Use as needed. It can also be added to tea.
    shaking elderberries mixed with vodka in a jar
    elderberry tinture in a jar

    Elderberry Varieties

    There are a variety of elder trees that grow in America and Europe. This includes European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis).

    The fruit or berries can be found in blue, black, and red.

    The elderberries I've come across in San Diego are the blue variety. Their light blue color, however, is actually due to the wild yeast that coats them.

    Once washed, they are actually a darker blue.

    blue elderberry tree

    In Montana, I've foraged black elderberries, which grow wild in the mountains around our property.

    black elderberry tree

    There are also red elderberries, however, they are poisonous and should not be consumed.

    red elderberries

    How to Dry Elderberries

    • Wash elderberries in a large bowl full of cold water.
    • Strain elderberries, making sure to discard any unripe berries, debris, stems, and leaves.
    • Dry the elderberries on paper towels and add to a dehydrator, using the fruit leather trays.
    • Dehydrate for approximately four hours on the 135-degree F setting. The elderberries should be dry enough to where they no longer hold any moisture.
    • Store in a sealed jar or plastic bag until needed.
    elderberries drying in a dehydrator
    dried elderberries in a jar

    Recipe FAQs


    What are the benefits of elderberries?

    In one study, 60 people with flu-like symptoms took 15 milliliters (ml) of elderberry syrup four times a day. Their symptoms improved 4 days before the people who took a placebo.
    In another study, 32 people with flu-like symptoms took lozenges containing 175 milligrams (mg) of elderberry extract four times a day for 2 days. After 24 hours, they reported an improvement in symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and nasal congestion.
    (MedicalNewsToday)

    What are the side effects of consuming elderberries?

    According to RXlist.com, elderberry consumption (especially raw) can have the following side effects.

    Nausea/vomiting (eating raw berries)
    Weakness
    Dizziness
    Numbness
    Stupor

    However, it's important to point out that for every article that mentions you can't eat raw elderberries, there are ten comments from those claiming they ate them by the handfuls as children without ill effect.

    I'm no expert on the topic, but the research I did on the subject was very conflicting.

    For this reason, I prefer to err on the side of caution and not eat them.

    How Much elderberry syrup should I take?

    I have seen dosages range from 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, to 1-½ tablespoons every 3 to 4 hours.

    I recommend starting on a lower dosage to see how your body tolerates it and increase the dosage from there.

    • The adult dosage is 1 teaspoon daily to boost the immune system and prevent illness.
    • If sick, take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day.
    • Children can take 1 teaspoon daily to prevent illness or 1 teaspoon 3 times a day when suffering from a cold or flu.
    • Do not give to infants under the age of 12 months, especially since the syrup contains honey.

    How do you store elderberries?

    If you will be using the elderberries right away, you can clean them first, then store them in the fridge for up to a day.

    If you will use them at a later date, place the cleaned elderberries on a foil-lined tray and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, store the berries in ziplock bags.

    If you dry the berries using a dehydrator, or the oven, you can store them in jars until you are ready to use them.

    elderberries on a tray

    Pro Tips

    • Unripe elderberries, as well as stems, leaves, and bark of the elder tree, are poisonous. They contain a cyanide-inducing glycoside, and should not be used in this recipe.
    • This syrup is not intended for infants under the age of 12 months.
    • You can substitute dried elderberries for fresh ones. You will need ½ the number of dried berries as fresh.
    • Elderberry syrup may not be suitable for pregnant women. Please consult your doctor before using it.
    • To extend the shelf life of Elderberry Syrup, add ¼ cup brandy, which will act as a preservative.
    • Using raw honey has further health benefits since it contains anti-fungal properties, helps digestive issues and is soothing to sore throats.
    elderberries in a jar with brandy and syrup in the background
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    Elderberry syrup recipe bottle with syrup and tincture

    Elderberry Syrup for Colds

    Delicious elderberry Syrup to boost your immune system and fend off the common cold, flu, and cough.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiments, Other
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 48 teaspoons
    Calories: 16kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup blue or black elderberries (fresh) (or ½ cup dried)
    • 1 cups water
    • 2 slices fresh ginger
    • 1" cinnamon stick
    • 4 whole cloves
    • 4 cardamom pods
    • 2 dehydrated orange slices (or 1 fresh orange slice)
    • 1 cup raw honey

    Instructions

    • Add elderberries, water, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slices to a small saucepan.
    • Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 minutes.
    • Mash the elderberries to extract as much of the juice as possible.
    • Remove the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom pods. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or my personal favorite, reusable soup bags.
    • Clean the pot and pour the strained syrup back in. Once warm, add the honey and whisk to combine.
    • Pour into an 8 oz. sterilized jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to a month.

    Notes

    • Unripe elderberries, as well as stems, leaves, and bark of the elder tree, are poisonous. They contain a cyanide-inducing glycoside, and should not be used in this recipe.
    • This syrup is not intended for infants under the age of 12 months.
    • You can substitute dried elderberries for fresh ones. You will need ½ the number of dried berries as fresh.
    • Elderberry syrup may not be suitable for pregnant women. Please consult your doctor before using it.
    • To make this Elderberry Syrup for Colds last longer, add ¼ cup brandy, which will act as a preservative.
    • Using raw honey has further health benefits since it contains anti-fungal properties, helps digestive issues and is soothing to sore throats.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1teaspoon | Calories: 16kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

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    1. Rachel Cadman says

      September 04, 2022 at 10:01 am

      Hi, I was hoping to have this last for the rest of the year, is it possible to freeze some? How long will it last with the addition of Brandy? And should that still be kept in the fridge? Thanks very much, Rachel

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        September 04, 2022 at 11:56 am

        Hi Rachel,
        If you want to extend the life of the elderberry syrup, freezing is a good option. Refrigerating the tincture also helps. The tincture does last longer because it contains alcohol. I have some tincture that I prepared a few years ago and it's still good. I hope that answers your question.

        Reply
    2. Jamar says

      March 23, 2021 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      You’re 100% on this one Hilda!! Elderberries have amazing nutritional properties and the recipe you’ve created with them is outstanding. My favorite is adding a teaspoon or two into my tea on those cold winter nights. You have the best recipes! Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Lana Russell says

      March 18, 2020 at 8:54 pm

      Question, will white elderberries work?

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 19, 2020 at 8:39 am

        Hi Lana,
        Thanks for your question. To be honest, I don't know much about white elderberries. I did do a quick search and found this (https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/White_Elderberries_9432.php). It seems like you can make syrup with them but it wouldn't be as robust. I'm not sure if it would have all the benefits, but it's definitely worth a try if you have access to them. Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply

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