This elderberry syrup recipe is easy and delicious! Elderberries are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. It is commonly used to boost the immune system and to fight off colds, coughs, and the influenza virus. Learn everything you need to know in this easy guide, then try my elderberry wine recipe!
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This elderberry syrup recipe has a ton of benefits and is prepared with fresh elderberries. Because of the wonderful flavor, you won't have to fight your kids to take it either!
Elderberries are a natural remedy for cold and flu symptoms. So make sure you have this elderberry syrup recipe on hand for when you or your family inevitably need it. Take it by the spoonful, or for even more health benefits, add it to elderberry tea!
Elderberry tincture is more concentrated than syrup and is prepared by infusing the berries in vodka or Everclear for 4 to 6 weeks. I like to make both so that I can have them when flu season hits. I use the syrup as a preventative, and the tincture at the first sign of flu symptoms.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Elderberry syrup is loaded with benefits and also tastes great!
- Instead of mixing in a simple sugar syrup, we will be adding raw honey to this homemade elderberry syrup recipe. The honey contains antifungal properties, which make it an excellent sweetener.
- I prefer to use fresh elderberries; however, you can substitute dried elderberries.
- This syrup can also be used to back-sweeten elderberry wine!
- This elderberry syrup recipe can be doubled to make a larger batch.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Elderberries: I use fresh or frozen elderberries; however, you can use dried elderberries, but use only half the amount of fresh elderberries.
- Spices: I like to flavor my elderberry syrup with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and cardamom. Try the spices I suggested or add your favorite spices instead.
- Citrus: I also like to include either fresh or dehydrated orange slices, but a tablespoon or two of lemon juice can also be added.
- Sweetener: I prefer to sweeten my elderberry syrup with honey. If you need to, you can use sugar or another sweetener.
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Step 1: Add elderberries, water, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slices to a small saucepan.
Step 2: Simmer gently for 30 minutes on low. Use a potato masher to gently mash the berries to extract as much juice from the elderberries as possible, without crushing the seeds.
Step 3: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a reusable soup bag.
Step 4: Pour the strained syrup back into the pot over low heat. Once warm, add honey and stir until the elderberry syrup comes together.
Step 5: Pour the elderberry syrup into four sterilized 8-ounce jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Can You Safely Can Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberries are naturally on the low-acid side, with a pH that averages around 4.9 and can range from 4.73 to 5.19. For safe home canning, the recommended maximum pH for fruits is 4.6. Since elderberries fall above that limit, they can't be safely canned or turned into syrup without using a research-tested recipe that includes extra steps or ingredients to make them safe. (source: University of Wisconsin)
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 berries come in various colors, including blue, black, and red. The elderberries I've come across in San Diego are the blue variety. Their light blue color is attributed to the wild yeast that coats them. Once washed, they are a darker blue.
In Montana, I've only found black elderberries. They're the type I'm using in this elderberry syrup recipe.
There are also red elderberries; however, they are toxic and should not be consumed.
Storage & Shelf Life
To keep your elderberry syrup fresh and safe, it's important to store it properly. If you make your syrup with honey, it will typically last about 2-3 months in the refrigerator. Honey's natural antimicrobial properties can help slow down spoilage, but it's not a substitute for proper handling. Always use clean utensils when scooping or pouring syrup, and seal the container tightly after each use.
For longer storage, you can freeze elderberry syrup, whether sweetened with honey or sugar, for 6 to 12 months. Freezing in small jars or even ice cube trays makes it easy to thaw only what you need.
No matter how it's stored, always check for signs of spoilage before using, such as mold or an off odor, and discard immediately if you notice anything unusual.
Recipe FAQs
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)
According to RXlist.com, elderberry consumption (especially raw) can have the following side effects.
Nausea/vomiting (eating raw berries)
Weakness
Dizziness
Numbness
Stupor
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 12 months, especially since the syrup contains honey.
If you plan to use the elderberries immediately, you can clean them first and 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.
Pro Tips
- This elderberry syrup recipe is not intended for infants under the age of 12 months.
- Elderberry syrup may not be suitable for pregnant women. Please consult your doctor before using it.
- You can substitute dried elderberries for fresh ones. You will need ½ the amount of dried berries as fresh.
- To extend the shelf life of this elderberry syrup recipe, add ½ cup brandy, which will act as a preservative.
- Using raw honey has further health benefits since it contains anti-fungal properties, helps with digestive issues, and is soothing to sore throats.
- 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 elderberry syrup recipe.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this elderberry syrup recipe, check out these related posts!
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add elderberries, water, fresh ginger, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and orange slices to a small saucepan.
- Simmer gently for 30 minutes on low. Use a potato masher to gently mash the berries to extract as much juice from the elderberries as possible, without crushing the seeds.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, cheesecloth, or a reusable soup bag.
- Pour the strained syrup back into the pot over low heat. Once warm, add honey and stir until the elderberry syrup comes together.
- Pour the elderberry syrup into four sterilized 8-ounce jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- This syrup is not intended for infants under the age of 12 months.
- Elderberry syrup may not be suitable for pregnant women. Please consult your doctor before using it.
- 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.
- You can substitute dried elderberries for fresh ones. You will need ½ the number of dried berries as fresh.
- To make this elderberry syrup last longer, add ½ 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.
Michelle says
Question
Making this with fresh elderberries. Can you double/triple the recipe?
Or better to do recipe as is?
Thanks!
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Michelle, since we're not worried about jelling issues, it should be find to double or triple the recipe. Just cook the syrup until it reduces to your desired thickness, then add the honey!
Diane M Keller says
Delicious! I couldn't improve on it a bit. In addition to taking sips, I added some to red wine. Amazing!
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Diane, So happy that you are enjoying the elderberry syrup! It's funny you mentioned adding it to red wine because I use it to back-sweeten the elderberry wine I make!
Shannon says
Wondering when you would add the brandy to the syrup for longer shelf life. Add to pot so it can cook down or add after with honey?
Hilda Sterner says
To add alcohol to the tincture, you can find the steps in the post. However, if you do want to add the alcohol to the syrup, I would add it before bottling.
Rachel Cadman says
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
Hilda Sterner says
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.
Jamar says
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!
Lana Russell says
Question, will white elderberries work?
HildaSterner says
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!