Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Colds and Flu

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Recipe FAQs

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.

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