4.9 from 156 votes
Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry Syrup is a concentrated liquid made by simmering dried elderberries with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and fresh ginger, then sweetened with honey. The result is a dark, flavored syrup that can be used as a supplement or ingredient with a balance of earthy berry aroma and spice warmth. It preserves the essence of elderberries in a shelf-stable form refrigerated for weeks or frozen for longer storage.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
24
Calories:
24 kcal
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
gluten-free
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried elderberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves ground
- 1 inch ginger thinly sliced, fresh
- ½ cup honey
Instructions
- Combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a small saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer until the water has been reduced by half, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Pour the cooked berries and liquid through a fine mesh strainer, into a clean bowl, to strain out the berries. Use the back of a spoon to press on the berries in the strainer, to extract all of the juice, then discard or compost the pulp that's left in the strainer.
- Allow the elderberry juice to cool to room temperature. Stir in the honey, using a whisk to incorporate it smoothly, then transfer the syrup into a sealed glass jar that you can store in the fridge.
- This syrup should keep well for at least two weeks when stored in the fridge, so if you don't think you'll use it all before then, feel free to freeze any extras. You can always thaw it overnight in the fridge when you need more. Homemade elderberry syrup doesn't become as thick as the store bought version because it uses less sugar and no preservatives or thickeners, so don't be alarmed if the final syrup has more of a liquid consistency.
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Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 1.5 cups of syrup, with volume depending on reduction time.
- Nutrition estimates apply to about 1 tablespoon servings and are approximate.
- Organic dried elderberries sourced online add quality and purity to the syrup.
- For vegan alternatives, substitute honey with maple syrup or coconut sugar.
- To reduce sugar content, consider elderberry tea as a sugar-free option.
- Freeze leftover syrup in portions for extended storage; thaw in the fridge overnight before use.
Nutrition Information
Calories
24kcal
(1%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
0.1g
(0%)
Fat
0.02g
(0%)
Saturated Fat
0.003g
(0%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.01g
(0%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.003g
(0%)
Sodium
2mg
(0%)
Potassium
14mg
(0%)
Fiber
0.3g
(1%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
18IU
(0%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
3mg
(0%)
Iron
0.1mg
(1%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 24
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 24kcal | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 0.1g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.02g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Sodium | 2mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 14mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 1% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 18IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 3mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.1mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.