Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Give this homemade Elderberry Syrup recipe a try. It’ll help keep your sweet family healthy all year long!

I began using elderberry syrup when my daughters were still in diapers. Elderberries are a treasure trove of health benefits.

Health Benefits of Elderberries

• Boosting the immune system
• Warding off bacterial infections
• Shielding against viral infections
• Shortening the discomfort of colds or the flu
• Easing sinus infections
• Acting as a natural diuretic and promoting regular bowel movements
• Offering anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties
• Alleviating allergy symptoms
• Brimming with antioxidants
• Packed with vitamin A for radiant skin

Elderberry is one incredible plant! I’ve made it a priority for our whole family to take elderberry syrup regularly, especially when cold and flu season hits. But here’s the catch – elderberry syrup is way too pricey!

I’d prefer to buy something off the shelf than add another task to my already bustling life. As a busy mom, adding another task can be overwhelming, and I want to avoid any potential mishaps.

However, when I stumble upon something I can whip up at home for a fraction of the cost, and it’s not too complicated, I make time for it. 

This homemade elderberry syrup recipe is really easy and worth the effort for the money saved. A dear friend of mine first introduced the recipe she uses for homemade elderberry syrup to me in 2015 when we couldn’t kick the colds.

How to Make a Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Combine Elderberries & Water

The first step will be to get yourself some dried elderberries, which I get on Amazon. up!

In a large pot or saucepan, combine 3/4 cups dried elderberries with 3 cups of water. Note the height of liquid in the pan.

Step 2: Add All the Goodies

Turn the stove on a medium-low heat, enough to simmer the mixture but not boil. Once the mixture has begun to heat up, stir in:

1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder OR 1 whole cinnamon stick

1 teaspoon of ground cloves or 4 whole cloves
1 tablespoon of fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon of dried ginger
Optional: 2-3 whole star anise

Step 3: Simmer Down

The whole process is easy and can be done while doing other household chores. You start by simmering some dried elderberries with water and spices for about 45 minutes. That’s when you can be doing other things. No need to hover over the pot here! As the berries soften and the water reduces, the elderberry juice becomes more concentrated.

During this time, stir on occasion. Using a large flat wood spoon, I like to press the elderberries against the side of the pot as I stir. This helps to squeeze out all the good juices we’re after!

Step 4: Squeeze & Strain

Once the liquid is reduced by half, you drain the liquid. I use a fine mesh strainer,, which makes it super easy. Allow the elderberry mixture to cool slightly before proceeding, but not totally. You don’t want to burn yourself here, but want to keep the liquid warm – to be able to dissolve the honey later.

To strain the elderberries, I set a fine-mesh stainless steel strainer lined with either a nut milk bag or cheesecloth and set on top of a glass mixing bowl. I like this organic cotton unbleached cheesecloth.

Next is the fun part! Carefully lift and close up the sides of the cheesecloth, forming a nice little sack of berries. Then squeeze the heck of out it! Yup, this will dye your hands purple for a day or two. Wear gloves if you want to avoid that! Compost the leftover berry pulp, or steep it in water to create a dilute elderberry tea. 

Make sure the liquid is cooled, and then you can add your 1 cup raw honey. Raw honey sweetens the syrup so kids will take it easily, but also has its own medicinal benefits. Win-win!

Then, you store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which will last about two months. For adults, take 1 tablespoon daily, and for children, 1 teaspoon daily. If you or your children are experiencing sickness or feel something coming on, that dose should be repeated four times daily.

That’s it! Easy peasy! Let me know what you think. Do you like to add anything else to your homemade elderberry syrup?