Elderberry syrup recipe is so easy to prepare with simple ingredients, fresh elderberries, simmered with ginger and cinnamon, and sweetened with maple syrup. Homemade elderberry syrup is a must-try.

For years I have been wanting to make my own elderberry syrup, I have planted elderberry plants twice but ended up relocating before we could harvest them. My friend Monique gave me my first plant in Virginia before we knew it my husband got a job offer to manage a campground in Ohio.

We dug up our plant and brought it with us to Ohio where it flourished and then about 2 years later my husband got an offer to manage the campground here in Florida. We took it here with us but we kept it in a huge wooden barrel ever since.

See more, Sambucus Nigra, Health Benefits Of Oregano Tea and Quercetin

Elderberries for making elderberry syrup on a wooden cutting board with stems and leaves

On a recent trip to the gym, last Wednesday, my daughter and I decided to stop at the local farmer’s market, a friend who so happens to be visiting the market started talking to me by text when I mentioned to her that I was heading to the market. She said she was actually already there, I asked her what goodies she had bought, the first thing she mentioned was elderberries. 

I told her to tell the seller to hold some for me until I got there, I was so excited to finally get to make elderberry syrup, mind you, I have always bought storebought elderberry syrup for my kids but I knew that it couldn’t compare to fresh elderberry syrup recipe.

I love making my own products when I can like my own Whipped Body Butter, Natural All-Purpose Orange Cleaner, and Nature’s Penicillin

What is Elderberry?

Elderberry is from the variety of Sambucus tree, a flowering plant belonging to the Adoxaceae family. There are more than 30 types of elder trees around the world, the most common variety is called Sambucus Nigra or black elderberry, a European native plant. 

Black elder tree grows up to 30 feet, has small black or navy blue tart berries growing into clusters. The ripe cooked berries are edible, however, the uncooked berries and other parts of the plant (stems, twigs, roots, flowers, leaves) contain a toxic compound called cyanidin glycosides. 

Elderberries in a white bowl for making elderberry syrup recipe

Where To Buy Elderberry?

You can purchase fresh elderberries at nurseries and farmers’ markets. Dried elderberries can be purchased from Amazon or from health food stores. If you don’t have berries you can purchase premade Elderberry Gummies And Elderberry Syrup online. 

Elderberry Benefits

Elderberries have been used for centuries to treat the common cold and flu, elderberries contain antioxidants such as polyphenols in particular anthocyanins and vitamins that are known to boost the immune system.

  1. Study Of The Efficacy And Safety Of Oral Elderberry Extract (1)
  2. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration And Symptoms In Air Travellers. (2)
  3. Elderberry Extract Prevents Oxidative Stress On Cells (3)

One cup of elderberries contains 106 calories, great source carbohydrate, fiber, Read more

  1. Vitamin A – 870 IU
  2. Potassium – 406 mg
  3. Calcium – 55 mg
  4. Vitamin C – 52.2 mg
  5. Vitamin B6 – 0.3 mg
  6. Folate 8.7 mcg

How To Make Elderberry Syrup?

  1. Remove elderberries from the stems and leaves, discard stems, leaves.
  2. Rinse elderberries using a fine mesh strainer and place it into a saucepan, add water, ginger and a stick of cinnamon.
  3. Heat saucepan over medium-high, bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 45 minutes.
  4. Allow the elderberry mix to cool. Strain elderberry liquid into a container, press the berries to get all the remaining juice out.
  5. Add lemon juice and sweetener (maple syrup, agave or coconut sugar). Mix well to combine. 
  6. Store your elderberry syrup in a closed container and store in the refrigerator. 

How To Use Elderberry Syrup?

Adults take 1 tablespoon daily and children take 1 teaspoon daily. 

How Long Can Elderberry Syrup Last?

Elderberry can last up to six months refrigerated once it is cooked properly and  stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid

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  6. Detox Tea
  7. Lemon Verbena Tea
Elderberry syrup recipe in a glass jar on a wooden cutting board with a stem of elderberry on a concrete background

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Nutrition

(Per serving)
  • Energy: 22 kcal / 92 kJ
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g
  • Carbs: 05.8 g

Cook Time

  • Preparation: 10 min
  • Cooking: 45 min
  • Ready in: 55 min
  • For: 32 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Remove elderberries from the stems and leaves, discard stems, leaves.
  2. Rinse elderberries using a fine mesh strainer and place into a saucepan, add water, ginger and a stick of cinnamon.
  3. Heat saucepan over medium-high, bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for 45 minutes.
  4. Allow elderberry mix to cool. Strain elderberry liquid into a container, press the berries to get all the remaining juice out.
  5. Add lemon juice and sweetener (maple syrup, agave or coconut sugar). Mix well to combine. 
  6. Store your elderberry syrup in a closed container and store in the refrigerator. 
Recipe author's Gravatar image

Michelle Blackwood, RN

Hi, I’m Michelle, I’m the voice, content creator and photographer behind Healthier Steps. I share vegan and gluten-free recipes because of past health issues. My goal is to help you make healthier choices and show you how healthy eating is easy and delicious.