Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

As cold weather draws near, I find myself hunkering down and preparing homemade remedies that will help me stay healthy and feeling my best throughout the winter. I spend time in the warmth of the summer, foraging herbs and berries to make into tinctures and tea for when the weather outside is too cold to find anything growing. Using what I’ve foraged throughout the winter, helps me remember that fair weather is coming and that the deep cold and long nights won’t last forever. 

One of my favorite remedies to make is Elderberry syrup. I forage the berries in late summer and freeze them until I have time to make this simple recipe. It’s delicious, which many remedies are not, so I know I will stay consistent with taking a spoonful when I need to. If you are and enjoyer of fizzy drinks, this elderberry syrup is the perfect addition to some club soda. Simply add your desired amount to a glass of ice and top it with club soda and a lemon slice. It makes a delicious and beneficial soda.

History and Benefits of Elderberries 

Elderberries have been used in folk and ancient medicines for hundreds of years. It has been mentioned in ancient Greek writings and evidence has even been found that it may have been cultivated back in the Neolithic period, around 2000 B.C. 

Elderberries are rich in antioxidants and high in Vitamins C and A. They also contain potassium, iron, and phosphorus. Elderberry is an antiviral and all of these vitamins and nutrients can help build a healthy immune system, which in turn can help your body ward off colds, flus, and other illnesses. 

Where to Source Elderberries 

You have a couple options when it comes to finding elderberries. You can buy them online or from a health food store/local co-op, forage them, or cultivate them yourself. I foraged mine, but my long term goal is to grow my own. If you’re interested in foraging them, keep your eyes out along roadsides and in places where there is low land, like marshes. Get the app Picture This to help you identify if the plant you’ve found is elderberry and then cross-reference to be doubly sure. Safety first!

Elderberry Safety 

You may have heard that Elderberries contain cyanide. Maybe it has scared you off from working with them in the past, but don’t worry, there are some really easy ways to make them safe for consumption. 

But first, what’s up with the toxins? The Elder plant, including the roots, bark, stems, berries, and seeds contains cyanogenic glycosides, which when consumed can release cyanide into your system. This in turn can cause stomach issues and some unpleasant side effects. There are many other fruits/seeds that contain the same toxins including almonds, apple seeds, and other stone fruit seeds. 

Thankfully, cyanogenic glycosides are unstable when exposed to heat, so cooking your berries or drying them takes care of the issue altogether. To be extra safe, we will be cooking our elderberries, so we won’t have to worry. If using fresh elderberries, you’ll want to make sure all stems are removed. 

How To Make Elderberry Syrup

Step 1 – Gather and prepare your ingredients

If you are using more than just elderberries and honey, now is the time to decide what else you’d like to add in. cinnamon and ginger make for a lovely want spicy flavor, while lemon gives the syrup a really lovely tartness.

Step 2 – Cook your elderberries

Add your elderberries and water to a pot on medium heat and  bring to a simmer. Once simmering, smash your elderberries (if fresh) with a potato masher to get out all the extra juice. Simmer till the liquid has reduced by half. This may take around 30 minutes. If adding ginger, cinnamon sticks, lemon, cloves, anise, etc. throw them in halfway through. 

Step 3 – Strain

Once your elderberry syrup has reduced to half, let it cool and then then strain through a fine sieve and cheesecloth into a glass measuring cup. If you leave it a little warm, the honey will mix in and dissolve a bit better than if it was completely cooled.

Step 4 – Mix

Add honey (and alcohol if using) and stir till combined. I like to add rum because it makes the elderberry syrup more shelf stable. because you take so little of the syrup at a time, it’s not like drinking an alcoholic beverage. However, you can totally leave it out. If you do, I recommend storing it in the fridge.

Step 4 – Bottle

Bottle in a sterilized vessel and store in a cool dark place or your refrigerator. To sterilize your bottle or jar, simply wash well and then put it in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. remove with tongs and let dry.

Add your elderberries and water to a pot on medium heat and  bring to a simmer. Once simmering, smash your elderberries (if fresh) with a potato masher to get out all the extra juice. 

Once reduced, let cool then strain through a fine sieve and cheesecloth into a glass measuring cup.

Add honey (and alcohol if using) and stir till combined.

Bottle in a sterilized vessel and store in a cool dark place or your refrigerator. 

Storing your Elderberry Syrup

How you make your elderberry syrup will dictate where you store it. By adding extra honey or alcohol, you are discouraging mold and bacteria growth, which allows you to keep your syrup on the shelf. If you want to opt out of the alcohol, you can simply store the syrup in your fridge. If you choose this method, it should last about 3-6 months.

Canning Elderberry Syrup

 For even longer storage, you can can your syrup in pint jars. Simply fill your jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace and process for 10 minutes. Adjust time if you’re not at sea level. Check out our post Getting Started with Water Bath Canning for more tips and tricks. 

More Remedies:

• Fire Cider Recipe

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