Elderberry Syrup Recipe

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Elderberry Syrup

Autumn has brought a few sniffles into our household, so today I’m busy in the kitchen brewing up potions. This elderberry syrup is a must-have for your herbal kit — gentle enough for toddlers, yet powerful enough for adults.

Ingredients

(All sourced from my local health store)

  • ⅔ cup dried black elderberries

  • 3 ½ cups water

  • 2 tablespoons fresh or dried ginger root

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

  • 1 teaspoon cloves (whole or ground)

  • 1 cup local raw honey (or to taste)
    Tip: use Manuka if it’s within budget — but don’t add it until the liquid has cooled, honey doesn’t like heat!

Method

  1. Pour the water into a medium saucepan. Add elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves (leave out the honey for now).

  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 45–60 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by almost half.

  3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  4. Mash the berries gently with a spoon, then strain into a clean glass jar or bowl.

    • Optional: use cheesecloth to squeeze every last bit of goodness out.

  5. Compost or discard the used elderberries.

  6. Let the liquid cool to lukewarm, then stir in the honey until fully dissolved.

  7. Pour the syrup into a mason jar or glass bottle. Store in the fridge.

How to Use

  • Standard dose:

    • Kids → ½ teaspoon–1 teaspoon daily

    • Adults → ½ tablespoon–1 tablespoon daily

  • If flu hits: Take the same dose every 2–3 hours until symptoms ease.

It’s like a cordial — kids usually love it! I give it to my little one with a dropper, but you can also freeze it into popsicles or ice cube trays.

The honey helps preserve it, and I find it lasts a little over two weeks in the fridge. Share extra with community families in need.