Homemade Elderberry Syrup Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe
This homemade elderberry syrup with honey and cinnamon is a simple, 3-ingredient recipe that comes together in about 45 minutes. It’s a comforting, proactive way to support the immune system during cold and flu season.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional: 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
Instructions
- Combine and Simmer: In a medium saucepan, combine the dried elderberries, filtered water, and cinnamon stick (and optional ginger slices, if using). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes.
- Mash the Berries (Optional but Recommended): Remove the pot from heat. Using the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher, gently mash the berries against the side of the pot to release more flavor and beneficial compounds.
- Strain the Mixture: Place a fine-mesh strainer over a large bowl or liquid measuring cup. Pour the hot berry mixture through the strainer, pressing down on the berries with a spoon to extract all the liquid. Discard the spent berries and cinnamon stick.
- Cool Slightly: Let the strained liquid cool for 10-15 minutes until warm but not hot to the touch.
- Stir in the Honey: Add the raw honey to the warm liquid and whisk or stir gently until completely dissolved.
- Bottle and Store: Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar using a funnel. Seal tightly and let cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating.
Notes
Do not use fresh elderberries; they must be cooked. For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, but the syrup will have a shorter shelf life (2-3 weeks). The syrup can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 1
- Carbohydrates: 12
Keywords: elderberry syrup, homemade syrup, immune support, cold and flu, honey, cinnamon, natural remedy