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Glass jar filled with dark elderberry syrup and a spoon, ready for immune-boosting use.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe (with Fresh or Dried Elderberries)

This Elderberry Syrup Recipe is one of the easiest ways to make your own elderberry syrup at home using either fresh elderberries or dried elderberries.
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Keyword: elderberry, elerberries, fine, juice, natural, recipe, strawberries, strawberry, syrups, water
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 0
Author: Stephanie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried elderberries or 2 cups fresh elderberries, stems removed
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon dried cinnamon
  • 4–6 whole cloves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger
  • 1 cup raw honey or swap for maple syrup for a vegan version

Instructions

  • Add dried elderberries (or fresh berries) and 4 cups of water to a large pot or medium saucepan, along with the ginger and cloves. (Do not eat raw berries, unripe berries, or red elderberries — they contain cyanogenic glycosides and are not safe to eat.) Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer until the mixture has reduced by about half.
  • Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer until the mixture has reduced by about half. With dried elderberries: simmer 40–45 minutes. With fresh elderberries: simmer 25–30 minutes. Then, strain through a fine mesh strainer and press berries with the back of a wooden spoon to remove all the juice.
  • Allow the elderberry juice to cool to room temperature, then stir in the raw honey (or maple syrup). I like to place mine in the fridge for at least half an hour before adding the honey. Mixing while hot can reduce the medicinal benefits of the raw honey.
  • Transfer to a clean glass jar. The shelf life is about 2 months in the fridge, or freeze in small amounts for longer storage.

Notes

Note: This recipe is written as a more concentrated elderberry syrup (1 cup dried berries to 4 cups water). If you prefer a lighter flavor, feel free to use 5–6 cups water and then adjust sweetness to taste at the end.

How to Use Elderberry Syrup

    • Daily immune support: Adults take 1 tablespoon daily; children over 1 year can take 1 teaspoon.
    • During flu symptoms: Take several times a day as needed.
    • Try mixing into herbal teas, drizzling over yogurt, or adding to pie fillings for a touch of sweet flavor and immune-supporting benefits.

Tips

    • Never consume raw elderberries or red berries — always cook first.
    • If the water content seems too high (too watery) after simmering, just cook a bit longer until reduced.
    • For extra warming spices, add star anise or more ground cinnamon.
    • This syrup makes a wonderful addition to your own herbal remedies collection, alongside our Fermented Garlic Honey.