Easy Homemade Elderberry Syrup isn’t just for immune support. Drizzle it over waffles, pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream for a naturally sweet and tangy flavor. You can even stir it into homemade salad dressings or beverages for a burst of fruity goodness.
As the late summer sun fades and elderberry season begins, it’s the perfect time to make your own elderberry syrup. Not only is it a natural remedy for sore throats and flu symptoms, but it’s also packed with immune-boosting properties that can help your family stay well throughout flu season.
I love making fresh elderberries into a syrup each year. It’s the easiest way to enjoy all the benefits of elderberry without any preservatives. Whether you prefer raw honey for sweetness or a touch of maple syrup, this homemade elderberry syrup recipe is beginner-friendly and incredibly satisfying.
What Is Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberries come from the elder tree, also called Sambucus nigra, a member of the genus Sambucus. Both fresh berries and dried elderberries can be used for medicinal purposes.
But it’s important to avoid raw elderberries and unripe berries! These contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. Only ripe black elderberries are safe to cook and turn into syrup.
Elderberry syrup is traditionally used as a home remedy and herbal remedy, often for immune system support during flu season.
Beyond syrup, elderberry juice, elderberry tea, and elderberry gummies are also popular ways to enjoy the antiviral properties of this remarkable fruit. Research studies show elderberries may help reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms when taken at the first sign of illness.
Wellness Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and compounds that support the immune system. Some of the benefits of elderberries include:
- Reducing flu symptoms and sore throats
- Supporting overall immune system health
- Offering antiviral properties for minor colds and infections
- Providing immune-boosting properties in small amounts for young children and adults
It’s good news that these natural remedies can be made easily at home without extra cost, giving you control over the sugar content and ensuring you’re using organic elderberries when possible.
For this homemade elderberry syrup recipe, here’s a good breakdown:
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Includes washing and destemming the berries, measuring water, honey, and optional spices.
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Simmering the berries on medium heat until they release their elderberry juice and reduce slightly.
- Yield / Amount Made: About 2 cups of elderberry syrup (can vary slightly depending on how much liquid you extract and whether you use fresh or dried elderberries)
Easy Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe: Seasonal Wellness
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Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Step-by-Step Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe
- Prepare the berries. Remove elderberry stems and rinse ripe black elderberries under cold water. Avoid green berries, red berries, or unripe berries, as these can contain cyanide compounds.
- Combine in a pot. Add 2 cups fresh elderberries (or 1 cup dried elderberries) to a large pot with 4–5 cups water. Include optional spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and fresh ginger root for a great addition to flavor.2 Cups Elderberries, 5 Cups Water, 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon, 1 Tablespoon Ginger, 2 Whole Cloves, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Simmer gently. Heat over medium heat until the liquid reaches a gentle boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and let simmer for 20–30 minutes. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash the berries, releasing elderberry juice. Note: if using dried elderberries add 30 minutes onto the cooking time.
- Strain the syrup. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or fine sieve into a clean container. Press lightly with a spoon to extract much liquid but avoid forcing seeds through.
- Add sweetener. Allow the liquid to cool slightly (room temperature) and then stir in 1 cup raw honey or your desired sweetener. Sweetening at this stage preserves the immune-boosting properties of the syrup.1 Cup Raw Honey
- Bottle & store. Transfer your own elderberry syrup to sterilized jars. It keeps up to 2–3 months in the fridge (shelf life) and can be frozen for longer-term storage.
Notes
Materials
- Large pot
- Fine mesh strainer or fine sieve
- Spoon
- Jars for storing syrup (room temperature or refrigerator)
How to Use Elderberry Syrup
- Adult dose. 1 tablespoon per day at the first sign of flu symptoms.
- Young children. 1 teaspoon per day.
Warnings / Safety Notes
- Never eat raw elderberries, green berries, or unripe berries. These parts of the elderberry plant contain cyanide compounds.
- Only cook ripe black elderberries for herbal remedies.
- Consult a doctor for drug administration or health concerns if pregnant or nursing.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Using dried elderberries works well if fresh elderberries aren’t available.
- Avoid raw elderberries; always cook them to eliminate cyanide compounds.
- Try optional spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, or fresh ginger for flavor of elderberries that complements your syrup.
- Freeze in small portions to keep from going bad.
Optional Sweeteners for Your Elderberry Syrup
While our homemade elderberry syrup recipe uses raw honey for a naturally sweet flavor and added health benefits, there are plenty of alternatives if you prefer a different taste or need a vegan-friendly option.
Sweetener options include:
- Maple syrup. Adds a rich, earthy sweetness and works well for vegan syrups.
- Agave nectar. Mild flavor, easy to mix in at room temperature.
- Coconut sugar. A good choice for a lower-glycemic option, though it will slightly change the color of the syrup.
- Brown rice syrup or date syrup. Slightly thicker options with a caramel-like taste.
Tips:
- Add your sweetener after the syrup has cooled slightly to preserve the immune-boosting properties of elderberries.
- Adjust sweetness to taste; some prefer less sugar for a more tart syrup.
- Using small amounts of sweetener is fine if the syrup is primarily for medicinal purposes, while larger amounts are great if it’s for culinary uses, like drizzling over pancakes or ice cream.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, frozen ripe black elderberries work great; just thaw before cooking.
How long does it last?
Store in the fridge up to 2–3 months. Freeze for longer shelf life.
Can kids take it?
Yes, in small amounts appropriate for young children, usually 1 teaspoon per day.
Can I make larger batches?
Absolutely, just scale cups of water and berries proportionally and maintain medium heat simmering.
Making your own elderberry syrup is a great way to enjoy the benefits of elderberry while controlling sugar content and ingredients. Whether you’re sipping it straight, stirring into ice cream, or adding to herbal remedies like elderberry tea or homemade fire cider recipe, it’s a natural remedy that supports your immune system during flu season.
Enjoy the whole process, experiment with optional spices, and share your own syrup with family and friends. It’s a great addition to your natural ways of staying healthy.
References
Healthline. Elderberry: Benefits and Dangers.
WebMD. Elderberry.
we use this everyday and make batches throughout the season