This elderberry syrup recipe is incredibly easy to make.
Once you boil, then simmer the ingredients, it’s just a matter of straining the juice and adding honey!
The original recipe called for the addition of brandy for preservation purposes. However, we’ve found that the large amount of honey is enough to make it last in the refrigerator all season long, so we leave it out.
There are all sorts of elderberry products in stores today—from syrups to gummies—but you get such a small amount for the price.
Thankfully, you can make your own elderberry syrup at home for a fraction of the cost.
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The written recipe is at the end of this post, but here’s a video tutorial if you’d rather watch than read.
Video Tutorial: How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Simple Elderberry Syrup Recipe
This homemade elderberry syrup is full of flavor and easy to make.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 pints 1x
Ingredients
- 6–7 cups ripe elderberries (use half the amount if using dried berries)
- 9 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups lemon juice, divided
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 5 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 2 tablespoons dried orange peel
- 2 tablespoons dried lemon peel
- 2 quarts local honey
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, add the berries, water, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, and all the spices, then bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower to a simmer, and continue cooking for 40 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine strainer to separate the juice from the solids.
- Return the juice to the pot on very low heat, and add 1 cup of lemon juice and 2 quarts honey.
- Simmer until the honey is fully incorporated. This usually only takes a minute or two.
- Pour into glass jars, and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Use only ripe elderberries—not green ones.
Elderberry syrup isn't recommended for children under the age of 2 due to the amount of honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Additional Time: 0 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
