This power packed, easy elderberry syrup is the perfect recipe to have on hand for sick days! You can serve it straight from a spoon, add it to smoothies, or get as creative as you wish.

dried elderberry, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl over water in a stock pot at the top, the words east elderberry syrup recipe in the middle, and brewed elderberry liquid being poured through cheesecloth at the bottom

I started playing with an elderberry syrup recipe years ago when my kids were young and discovered it was quite easy to make.

Making elderberry syrup from scratch was the choice for me because I was not fond of the ingredients I found in the available brands from the store.

By making your own from scratch, you can avoid such ingredients as fructose, glycerin, malic acid, natural flavor, and potassium sorbate. That’s a topic we can save for another day!

Not only can made from-scratch be a healthier option, it also tastes better in my opinion!

Tips for easy made from scratch- elderberry syrup:

Use local, raw honey to receive the most nutrients and beneficial properties

Purchase organic dry ingredients to avoid concentrated pesticides in your finished product.

Use filtered water from a filtration device that removes unwanted toxins but leaves important trace minerals such as a Berkey Water Filter.

Opt for glass or stainless steel bowls with hot liquids to avoid toxins leaching from bowls made of plastic.

Use discretion on how much elderberry syrup you will need and adjust the recipe accordingly. You will want to use your elderberry syrup within two months of making it.

Go in with a friend to purchase ingredients in bulk and have a fun day in the kitchen cooking together every couple of months.

Use your “waste” product to feed your chickens or add to your compost pile.

Gather your tools and ingredients:

Tools:

Large stock pot with lid
Liquid measuring cup
Set of dry measuring cups
Set of measuring spoons
Silicone spatula
Large wooden spoon
Wire cooling wrack
1 medium bowl
1 large bowl
Cheesecloth
Strainer
Mesh strainer (with hook to rest on a bowl)
Funnel for pouring into jars
Jars for storing finished product (will need approximately 6 cups)

Ingredients:

7 cups filtered water
1 1/3 cup dried elderberries
4 tsp dried ginger
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp whole cloves
2 cups raw, local honey

How to make easy elderberry syrup:

Step 1:

Pour water and dry ingredients (not honey) into a large stock pot and turn heat to high until water comes to a boil.

dried elderberry syrup ingredients in a glass bowl held over a stock pot of water

Step 2:

Reduce heat to medium low, or whatever temperature on your stove produces a slight simmer. Top stock pot with a vented lid and allow to simmer for 45 minutes.

stock pot with a vented lid sitting on a stove

Step 3:

After 45 minutes, remove from heat and set stock pot on a wire cooling wrack to speed cooling speed. Let cool for approximately one hour with the lid still vented.

elderberries being strained from the liquid in stainless strainer and bowl

Step 4:

Remove lid from stock pot. Place a strainer in a medium bowl and pour contents of the stock pot into the strainer. Lift out strainer and press the contents of the strainer with a large wooden spoon to gather all of the juices. (At this point, if your liquid is still hot to the touch, allow to cool in the medium bowl. The temperature of the liquid needs to be below 95° to preserve the natural nutrients and benefits of the honey when it is added.)

purple liquid being poured through a cheesecloth into a glass measuring cup

Step 5:

Once the liquid is cooled to 95° or below, place your mesh strainer over your large bowl, and top the strainer with cheesecloth. Pour the liquid slowly through the cheesecloth and mesh strainer to catch all of the fine particles of leftover dry ingredients that were used. You should have about 4 cups of liquid at this point.

4 cups of elderberry juice sitting next to a glass bowl full of honey

Step 6:

Add the honey to the liquid in the large bowl at this point. Remove the mesh strainer and cheesecloth from the bowl before adding honey. Stir well with a silicone spatula until honey is incorporated.

amber jars sitting on a grey counter with a stainless funnel next to a glass measuring cup filled with elderberry syrup

Step 7:

Pour your elderberry syrup into jars of your choice using a funnel if needed for storing in the refrigerator. Label if you’d like, but make sure you note the date somewhere. Enjoy!!

amber bottles labeled elderberry syrup sitting on a grey counter

Suggested use: Store in the fridge (up to two months) and take daily. Suggested serving size is 1/2 tsp – 1 tsp for kids and 1/2 Tbsp – 1 Tbsp for adults. If sickness strikes, it is suggested to take the normal dose every 2-3 hours instead of once a day until symptoms disappear. Shake bottle well before pouring to serve.

Disclaimer: Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.