Making elderberry syrup at home can feel like a small act of empowerment for moms, especially during cold and flu season. When you learn how to make a delicious homemade elixir right in your own kitchen, you will have a tool to help boost your immune system and help your whole family stay well all year long.
Why Making Homemade Elderberry Syrup is Empowering Moms
Homemade elderberry syrup gives you the power to take control of your family’s wellness. You choose exactly how to make the syrup, whether you prefer using fresh or dried elderberries, using organic elderberries, or whether you wish to sweeten with honey or maple syrup, and which herbs you want to add for flavor and extra immune support.
You never have to question preservatives or artificial ingredients, because you prepare everything for the elderberry mixture with intention and transparency. And by cooking the berries yourself and knowing how you strain the mixture, you can feel confident that the elderberry tincture you’re pouring out for your family is pure, trustworthy, and aligned with the care you want to give them.
The Ancient Benefits of Elderberries
Elderberries, particularly the European variety sambucus nigra, have been used for centuries for their health properties. Research shows that elderberries contain natural compounds with antiviral and antioxidant effects, and many people turn to them to ease a cough, soothe a cold, or support their body during the flu. While raw elderberries can cause nausea and must always be cooked, properly prepared elderberry juice, tea, and syrup remain traditional favorites. Modern studies also suggest that elderberries may help shorten symptoms during sick seasons, making this small berry from the elderberry plant a household staple year after year.
The Basics: How to Make an Elderberry Syrup
Making elderberry syrup at home is wonderfully simple. Most recipes start with berries and water in a saucepan, often 1 to 2 cups of elderberry, depending on your batch size. You can use organic dried elderberries, frozen elderberries, or raw elderberries (as long as they’re fully cooked). As the berries simmer, they soften and release their liquid, which eventually gets reduced by half to become elderberry extract. Once the mixture has cooked and cooled slightly, you add the honey or maple syrup to create a finished syrup that’s sweet, rich, and easy to take by the spoonful.
What’s the Difference in Using Dried or Fresh Elderberries?
Both dried elderberries and fresh berries make wonderful syrup, but there are a few differences. Using dried berries is convenient because they’re shelf stable, easy to store, and available year-round. Fresh berries, whether handpicked, purchased locally, or frozen, create a slightly brighter flavor. However, they must be fully cooked, since raw berries can irritate the stomach. If you’re aiming for a longer shelf life, many people prefer to purchase dried berries because the moisture content is controlled and the flavor is consistent.
Easy DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Feeling intimidated? Don’t be! The best thing to do is to just try and make some syrup yourself. Here is an easy recipe to follow:
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries (or 1½ cups fresh/frozen)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2–3 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup – 1 cup sweetener of choice
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the elderberries, water, and any spices you’re using into a medium saucepan.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by half.
- Mash: Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash the cooked berries to release more elderberry juice.
- Strain: Pour the elderberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve into a heat-safe bowl. Press the berries well to get every last drop, then discard the cooked berries.
- Sweeten: Allow the liquid to cool until warm, and then add your sweetener. Stir until you have a smooth, glossy syrup.
- Store: Transfer to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months. For longer storage, freeze the syrup in ice-cube trays.
Can You Make Elderberry Syrup in the Pressure Cooker?
Absolutely! Using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot speeds up the process while still allowing you to make the syrup at home with ease, whether you are using dried elderberries or fresh ones. This method extracts maximum flavor and nutrients, creating a rich, smooth syrup perfect for immune support.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried elderberries (or 1½ cups fresh/frozen)
- 3 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- 2–3 whole cloves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup – 1 cup honey (syrup or sugar for kids under 1)
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to the Pot: Place the elderberries, water, and any optional spices in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot.
- Cook Under Pressure: Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10–15 minutes).
- Mash the Berries: Open the lid carefully. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to gently mash the berries and release more elderberry liquid.
- Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or sieve into a heat-safe bowl. Press with the back of a spoon to extract every last drop. Discard the cooked berries.
- Add Honey: Let the liquid cool until warm, then stir in the honey (sugar or syrup) to make a smooth, sweet finished syrup. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
- Store: Transfer to a clean jar and store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months. For longer storage, you can freeze the syrup in ice-cube trays.
Can You Add Honey (and Other Herbs) to Make it Taste Better?
Yes, you can! When you make the syrup at home, you have the ability to fully customize the sweetness, flavor, and shelf life by choosing the right sweetener. After cooking, sweeten the syrup using whichever sweetener you choose. Add the honey, syrup, or sugar until the flavor is just right. Honey creates a soothing syrup for coughs, maple syrup offers a gentle sweetness toddlers enjoy, and sugar acts as a natural preservative for a longer shelf life.
Herbs like lemon juice, ginger, clove, or a cinnamon stick can elevate the taste, and the finished syrup can be enjoyed as a warm elderberry tea or drizzled over pancakes for a delicious homemade treat. When sweetening your elderberry syrup, keep these ratios in mind for each option:
- Honey: 1 cup elderberry liquid to ½–1 cup honey
- Maple syrup: 1 cup elderberry liquid to ½–¾ cup syrup
- Sugar: 1 cup elderberry liquid to 1 cup sugar
Using Elderberry Syrup: Knowing the Correct Dosage for Remedies
Once your syrup is ready, it’s important to know how to use it. Many families keep a jar stored in the refrigerator for everyday immune support, especially during cold and flu season. The typical homemade syrup has a shelf life of about 2 to 3 months in the fridge if made with honey. If you want to extend the life of your elixir, you can even freeze the syrup in ice-cube trays for easy thaw-and-use portions. Whether you enjoy it straight from the spoon, swirl it into elderberry tea, or drizzle it over pancakes, the goal is always the same: wellness that feels simple, natural, and easy to maintain.
To help guide you, here is a general elderberry syrup dosage chart commonly used for homemade syrups:
Elderberry Syrup Dosage Chart
Always avoid giving raw honey to babies under 12 months, and consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
For daily immune support by age:
- 0-12 Months: Do not give honey; consult pediatrician before offering elderberry in any form, even if using sugar or syrup.
- 1-3 Years: ½ teaspoon once daily
- 4-6 Years: 1 teaspoon once daily
- 7-12 Years: 1–2 teaspoons once daily
- 13+ years: 1 tablespoon once daily
For use during cold and flu symptoms:
- 0-12 months: Do not give
- 1-3 years: ½ teaspoon 2–3 times daily
- 4-6 years: 1 teaspoon 2–3 times daily
- 7-12 years: 1–2 teaspoons 2–3 times daily
- 13+ years: 1 tablespoon 2–3 times daily
You can mix your finished syrup into warm elderberry tea, drizzle it over pancakes or yogurt, or add it to smoothies for an easy way to boost your immune system. This gentle, delicious homemade recipe makes it simple to support your family all year long.
Taking Care of Your Family, One Berry at a Time
Homemade elderberry syrup is more than just a tasty treat. It’s a natural way to support your family during cold and flu season. Rich in antioxidants and antiviral compounds, soothing for coughs, it also provides gentle, immune-supportive care for all ages. Beyond its medicinal uses, this versatile elixir can be enjoyed as a warm elderberry tea, a drizzle over pancakes, or even a flavorful addition to smoothies, making it a practical and delicious wellness staple in your home.
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