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If you’re looking for a natural way to support your immune system, this elderberry syrup recipe is the perfect place to start! We combine dried elderberries with immune-boosting cinnamon and star anise to keep you well all season long, naturally. Because this recipe is made with all-natural ingredients and sweetened with antioxidant-rich honey, it’s the perfect elderberry syrup for kids!
While this elderberry syrup recipe is a popular natural remedy, I’m not a doctor, and this information isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before giving elderberry syrup to children or taking it alongside other medications.
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Sick season is upon us, my friends.
The leaves are turning colors, pollen is stirring, and the nights are getting chillier. Any day now, autumn colds will be knocking at our doors, and we will not let them in.
No, instead, we will take our tried-and-true traditional wellness syrup made with elderberries, warming spices, and raw honey.
If you’ve never made your own elderberry syrup recipe, now’s the perfect time to try it! It’s so simple to make, you’ll never consider buying premade ever again.
What is Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberry syrup is a wellness remedy made by simmering dried black elderberries with water, herbs, and spices until it reduces into a concentrated liquid. It is then sweetened with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or raw honey for a delicious flavor no one can resist. Elderberry syrup is used by natural-minded herbalists to keep sickness at bay, and treat illness once it strikes-naturally (and deliciously)!
Elderberries come from the Sambucus tree and have been used for centuries in folk medicine, especially during cold and flu season. While you can find pre-made syrup at health stores, making this elderberry syrup recipe at home allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. Like any other “wellness” product on the market, some manufacturers slip in all manner of preservatives and stabilizers that compromise the integrity of the syrup. Making your own ensures you get the best quality elderberry syrup possible for you and your family.
Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids, which are thought to support the immune system and help the body respond to seasonal illnesses like the cold and flu. Research suggests elderberry extracts may reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. In addition to their potential wellness benefits, elderberries have a rich, tart flavor that pairs beautifully with honey and warming spices, making this syrup both soothing and delicious.
Spices not only enhance the flavor of this elderberry syrup recipe but also bring added benefits:
- Star Anise – This aromatic spice contains shikimic acid, a compound used in the production of Tamiflu, a well-known antiviral medication. While star anise itself is not a medicine, including it in your syrup can add depth of flavor and a comforting boost without the black box warning of Tamiflu.
- Cinnamon – Known for its warming, sweet spice, cinnamon is naturally rich in antioxidants and anti-viral properties that can be effective against viruses such as influenza. It also pairs perfectly with the tartness of elderberries, giving your syrup a cozy, spiced taste.
Together, these spices turn a simple elderberry syrup into a flavorful, immune-supporting remedy you’ll want to keep on hand year-round, both for keeping sickness at bay, and treating symptoms should they arise.
Elderberry Syrup for Kids
If you’re like me, you’re even more careful about what you feed your kids than you are with what you feed yourself. Most conventional kids’ medications have a scary list of questionable ingredients topped off with artificial colors and flavors. All of that, plus they may or may not help your little ones with their sickness.
This elderberry syrup recipe is different. When you make it yourself, you know exactly what goes into it (and what doesn’t), and you can tailor it to suit your family’s needs. I’ve never had any complaints about the taste of elderberry syrup. Because of the warming spices and honey, most people only notice how sweet it is, so you shouldn’t have any complaints from picky eaters! Some parents find it helpful to mix the syrup into warm water, tea, or smoothies if little ones don’t enjoy taking it by the spoonful. You can also adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less honey to suit your child’s taste.
The only caveat is that because this recipe is sweetened with raw honey, it should not be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism. For older children, a small daily spoonful is a delicious and comforting immune boost you can feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Making this elderberry syrup recipe only requires a few simple ingredients, plus optional spices to boost both flavor and benefits:
- Dried elderberries – The star of the recipe; packed with antioxidants and immune-supporting properties. I like to use Frontier Co-op organic dried elderberries.
- Water – For simmering the berries into a concentrated syrup.
- Cinnamon sticks – Add warmth, immune-boosting and anti-viral properties, and a cozy spiced flavor.
- Star anise – Provides depth and contains shikimic acid, the compound used in making Tamiflu.
- Raw honey – Sweetens the syrup naturally and brings its own soothing, antimicrobial qualities. (Avoid for children under 1 year old.)
- Optional add-ins – Fresh ginger, cloves, or lemon peel for extra flavor and wellness support.
How to make this Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, add the water, dried elderberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pod. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 2: Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half.
Step 3: Remove from heat. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash the elderberries to release more juice. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or measuring cup. Discard the solids.
Step 4: Let the syrup cool slightly, but not fully, to room temperature. Then, stir in 1 cup of raw honey (or more to taste) until it is fully dissolved. This protects the beneficial properties of the honey while still allowing it to melt into the syrup. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle. Seal tightly and refrigerate. Use within 2–3 months.
Tips for Success
- Don’t eat raw elderberries – Consuming raw elderberries can cause digestive upset. Always simmer elderberries before ingesting.
- Simmer gently – A low, steady simmer extracts the most benefits without scorching the fruit.
- Mash before straining – Press the cooked berries with the back of a spoon or potato masher to release every drop of juice.
- Cool before adding honey – Wait until the liquid is warm (not hot) to preserve the beneficial enzymes in raw honey.
- Store properly – Keep your syrup in a glass jar in the refrigerator for 2–3 months, or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage.
- Adjust to taste – Add more honey for sweetness, or more spices for a bolder flavor.
How to Use Elderberry Syrup
One of the best parts about this elderberry syrup recipe is how versatile it is! While many people take it by the spoonful, you can easily work it into your daily routine in different ways:
- By the spoonful – Adults often take 1 tablespoon daily, and children (over 1 year old) about 1 teaspoon. During cold and flu season, some choose to take it more frequently, especially during peak gathering seasons (like the holidays).
- In drinks – Stir it into warm tea, lemonade, sparkling water, or even a morning smoothie for a delicious boost.
- As a sweetener – Drizzle over yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes in place of syrup or honey.
- For kids – Mix into juice or warm water to make it easier (and tastier) for little ones to enjoy.
- During sickness- Whether you have a simple cold or something more severe like strep throat or the flu, taking a spoonful three times a day can help support your immune system and shorten the duration of your symptoms. For most healthy adults, taking elderberry syrup alongside standard cold medicine is considered safe. Still, if you’re on prescription medications, have chronic conditions, or plan to give it to children, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider.
Can You Take Elderberry Syrup Along With Other Medications?
Elderberry syrup is generally considered safe for most people when taken in moderation, but it’s always wise to be cautious when combining it with medications. Elderberries may stimulate the immune system, which could interfere with medications that intentionally suppress immune activity (such as those used after organ transplants or for autoimmune conditions).
FAQs
Can elderberry syrup be canned?
It’s not recommended to can elderberry syrup using traditional water-bath canning methods. Because the recipe includes honey and has a low sugar-to-liquid ratio, it isn’t acidic or shelf-stable enough to safely can at home. For safety and freshness, store your syrup in the refrigerator or freezer instead.
Can elderberry syrup be frozen?
Yes! Elderberry syrup freezes very well. You can pour it into ice cube trays, freeze until solid, and then transfer the cubes into a freezer bag for easy portioning. Frozen syrup can last up to 6 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator when ready to use.
How much elderberry syrup per day?
For general daily support, adults often take 1 tablespoon per day. During cold and flu season, some people choose to take it more frequently (up to 2–3 times per day).
How much elderberry syrup for kids?
For children over 1 year old (due to honey content), the common serving is 1 teaspoon per day. Some parents increase to 2–3 times daily when kids are sick or during peak gathering seasons (like the holidays).
Does elderberry syrup go bad?
Yes. Homemade elderberry syrup typically lasts about 2–3 months in the refrigerator. If it develops an off smell, mold, or changes in texture, it’s best to toss it out. For longer storage, freezing is a safe option.
Can I use fresh elderberries instead of dried?
Yes, fresh elderberries can be used, but you’ll want to double the quantity since dried berries are more concentrated. Always cook fresh elderberries thoroughly before consuming, as raw berries can cause digestive upset.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Materials
- 2/3 cup dried black elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 3/4 cup raw honey
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the water, dried elderberries, cinnamon sticks, and star anise pod. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about half.
- Remove from heat. Use the back of a spoon to gently mash the elderberries to release more juice. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or measuring cup. Discard the solids.
- Let the syrup cool slightly, but not fully, to room temperature. Then, stir in 3/4 cup of raw honey (or more to taste) until it is fully dissolved. This protects the beneficial properties of the honey while still allowing it to melt into the syrup. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle. Seal tightly and refrigerate. Use within 2–3 months.
You’re going to Love this Elderberry Syrup Recipe!
I’m excited for you to make this elderberry syrup recipe! It’s so satisfying to make her remedies for your family and watch as they keep your family feeling good during sick season. One of my favorite things about this syrup (apart from how well it works) is how good it tastes. Seriously, nobody in your house will complain about the flavor. Enjoy!
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