Best Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Introduction

Best Elderberry Syrup Recipe is a naturally sweet, deeply flavorful syrup made from dried elderberries, warming spices, and honey. Traditionally used during colder months, elderberry syrup is easy to prepare at home and far more affordable than store-bought versions. With its rich purple color, gently spiced aroma, and smooth texture, this homemade syrup is perfect for stirring into tea, drizzling over yogurt, or taking by the spoonful.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Simple, natural ingredients
• No preservatives or artificial additives
• Easy stovetop method
• Customizable sweetness and spice

• More affordable than store-bought

Ingredients (makes about 1½ cups)

• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
• ½ tsp ground ginger (or 1-inch fresh ginger, sliced)

• 1 cup raw honey (adjust to taste)

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer
• Spoon

• Glass jar or bottle with lid

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Combine elderberries and water

Add dried elderberries and water to a saucepan. Stir to submerge berries fully.

2. Add spices

Add cinnamon and ginger to the pot. These spices add warmth, flavor, and balance to the syrup.

3. Simmer gently

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Simmer uncovered 35–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces by about half.

4. Mash the berries

Using the back of a spoon, gently mash the elderberries against the side of the pot to release as much liquid as possible.

5. Strain thoroughly

Remove from heat and allow to cool 10–15 minutes. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or measuring cup, pressing solids firmly. Discard solids.

6. Cool before sweetening

Let the liquid cool until warm—not hot. This protects the beneficial properties of the honey.

7. Add honey

Stir in honey until fully dissolved and smooth. Adjust sweetness to taste.

8. Bottle and store

Transfer syrup to a clean glass jar or bottle. Seal tightly and refrigerate.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using fresh raw elderberries is unsafe when uncooked
• Adding honey to hot liquid damages nutrients
• Boiling aggressively — bitter flavor
• Skipping reduction — weak syrup

• Improper storage — shortened shelf life

Variations of the Best Elderberry Syrup Recipe

• Spiced — add cloves or star anise
• Citrus Boost — add orange peel during simmer
• Low-Sugar — reduce honey slightly
• Alcohol-Preserved — add ¼ cup brandy after cooling

• Kid-Friendly — keep lightly spiced and mild

Tips for storage & make-ahead

• Refrigerate up to 3–4 weeks
• Freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage
• Always use clean utensils

• Shake before using

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh elderberries?
Only if fully cooked and properly prepared, dried are safest and easiest.

Is this syrup medicinal?
It’s traditionally used for wellness support, but not a medical treatment.

Can I give this to kids?
Yes, but consult a pediatrician for infants due to honey.

Why must honey be added after cooling?
Heat can degrade its beneficial compounds.

Conclusion

The best elderberry syrup recipe is simple, comforting, and deeply satisfying to make at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a gentle simmer, you can create a rich, flavorful syrup that’s versatile, cost-effective, and naturally delicious. Once you make it yourself, store-bought versions won’t compare.