Elderberry Syrup
This easy homemade elderberry syrup is made on the stovetop with dried elderberries, warm pantry spices, and raw local honey. It creates a rich, sweet, and smooth syrup in under an hour that is perfect for swirling into warm teas, drizzling over pancakes, or keeping as a cozy seasonal pantry staple all autumn long.
Servings: 32 1 teaspoon servings
Cost: $30
Equipment
- 1 Pack Organic Elderberries
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 1 stick cinnamon or ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 whole cloves
- 3 whole allspice
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root or ½ teaspoon dried
- 1 cup honey raw and local if possible
Instructions
- Combine & Bring to a Boil: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the dried elderberries, cold water, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat until big bubbles cover the surface and warm spices fill your kitchen.
- Simmer & Reduce (40–45 Minutes): Turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it gently simmer for 40 to 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the liquid reduces by half, turning dark, rich, and fragrant.
- Visual Cue: Liquid drops down by half and thickens slightly
- Cool & Strain: Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest until warm to the touch. Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth over a large glass bowl and pour the syrup through. Use the back of a wooden spoon to firmly press the elderberries against the mesh, squeezing out every last drop of rich juice before discarding the spent berries and spices.
- Whisk in the Raw Honey: Once the strained liquid has cooled down to warm (not hot!), pour in the raw honey. Whisk thoroughly until the honey completely dissolves into a smooth, glossy syrup.
- Important: Never add raw honey to boiling liquid or it destroys the natural goodness
- Pour & Store: Pour your fresh elderberry syrup into a clean pint mason jar or airtight glass bottle. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Give the jar a gentle shake before each use!
- Ages 4+: 1 teaspoon daily
- Adults (ages 12+): take 1 teaspoon, up to 2 times daily
