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This elderberry smoothie recipe harnesses the natural power of black elderberries, which boast nearly double the anthocyanins of other berries. This special type of flavonoid promotes immune support, along with anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer benefits. Blended with antioxidant-rich fruits to further bolster a healthy immune system, this recipe is a true winner.
For several years, my family lacked health insurance, so I took a proactive approach to healthcare. We focused on boosting our immune systems to help us avoid getting sick in the first place. From green smoothies to plant-based meals and natural remedies—we explored every avenue to stay healthy…and it worked. With kids back in school (mine included), restaurants reopening, and new COVID cases still in the headlines, it’s crucial to fortify your body’s natural defenses: the immune system.
One of the key immune-supporting ingredients I added to our smoothies was elderberry syrup. You can make elderberry syrup at home or purchase at many stores, I used the Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup in this elderberry smoothie recipe.
Table of Contents
Elderberry Smoothie Ingredients
- Dragon Fruit: Not only does it add a stunning pink hue, but dragon fruit is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other berries. If you’ve never had a smoothie with dragon fruit, it’s very similar to kiwi both in texture and flavor. A lot of grocery stores now carry frozen puree or cubed dragon fruit.
- Blackberries: These little gems are packed with antioxidants and fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the banana and dragon fruit.
- Banana: The banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness to the smoothie, while also providing potassium, an essential electrolyte. For an extra thick and frosty texture, you can freeze bananas before blending.
- Coconut Water: Coconut water is a fantastic source of hydration and electrolytes, keeping you refreshed and energized. You can substitute with water or almond milk (check out my list of top almond milk brands).
- Elderberry syrup: If you’re wondering…what is elderberry good for? They are the berries and its syrup is known for its immune-boosting properties. It adds a delicious, slightly tart berry flavor to the smoothie.
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Where to Buy Elderberry Syrup
You can find Sambucol Elderberry Syrup at Target, Costco, Amazon, major drug stores. It’s been flying off the shelves since COVID-19 became a pandemic, which is exciting to see more and more people lean towards the natural remedies world.
How to Make an Elderberry Smoothie
This Elderberry Smoothie is a quick, easy, and delicious way to support your immune system and enjoy a healthy treat. I also wanted it to be something that my kids would happily drink. This smoothie does all that in three simple steps:
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender. Using quality smoothie blenders helps ensure everything gets smooth and creamy without any chunks.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a few more frozen berries. If it’s too thick, add a splash more coconut water.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
For extra tips on creating the perfect smoothie, check out my guide on how to make a smoothie.
More Elderberry Recipes
For more immune boosting fruit smoothies using elderberry syrup, you can check out my favorites:
If you make this blackberry elderberry smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Blackberry Elderberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup dragon fruit frozen
- ½ cup blackberries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 teaspoon elderberry syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Helpful Tools
Notes
- Other berries can be substituted for the blackberries. We recommend those high in antioxidants such as blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries.
- Make sure to use at least 1 frozen fruit for a refreshingly cool smoothie. These frozen fruits also work perfectly for frozen meal prep smoothie packs if you like prepping ahead.
- Feel free to add 1 cup leafy green vegetables or 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower to increase the fiber content.
Haven’t tried this recipe so I can’t rate it. So many of my friends use Elderberry Syrup and I would love to try it but just haven’t yet. Not sure why. I really need to since I tend to get whatever illness is going around.
Yes, Julie, you have to try this recipe! You can’t go wrong with something that helps boost your immune system, as well as tasting great and looking so pretty!
We all need an immunity booster at this time but especially going into flu season with a compromised immune system.
That is very true, Lynn! Especially for folks with compromised immune systems.
I love that research has found elderberry to be as effective as a flu shot against the normal flu. With regards to Covid, I was wondering if Elderberry will strengthen cytokine storms or bradykinin storms that may be responsible for many of its negative effects.
Hey Suzanne! To be clear, taking elderberry syrup (or any other form of elderberries) will not prevent the flu. According to the CDC, getting an annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Elderberry syrup is not a flu shot substitution, but can be used as a dietary supplement. Studies indicate that “a good quality elderberry extract product might be quite effective in shortening the duration and the severity of symptoms associated with the flu if taken within the first 24 hours of symptoms,” states Russell Greenfield, MD, of Novant Health Integrative Medicine ).
Therefore, elderberry syrup can be a great compliment to other preventative measures, including getting a flu shot, but should not be the only thing you use to prevent the flu.
As far as COVID-19, Sambucol has a great article that addresses your question: .
Additionally, I want to include the information that although the flu shot does not prevent COVID-19, it could help your body fight off the virus (among other reasons, a healthy body has an easier time fighting off a COVID-19 infection). And unfortunately, it is possible to be infected with both the flu and the coronavirus at the same time so, getting a flu shot will help to greatly reduce the chance of that happening. 🙂
I would love to try this elderberry syrup. I have made my own but it is time consuming. I work at a local hospital (in a clerical support role) and I have several underlying conditions and am a caregiver, so it’s important to me especially going into flu season, to strengthen my immune system.
Respect to you, Florence! Keep up your awesome work and yes, sounds like it’s very important for you to strengthen your immune system and keep it strong!
Love adding boosts to our families smoothies. Anything I can do to provide them with a healthy choice. The girls love the color…
Way to take good care of your family, Erin! And I agree on the color, it’s so pretty! 😀
I really think elderberry & zinc have helped me stay healthy this year, and I’m excited to hear about black elderberry syrup! And to be able to incorporate it into a smoothie sounds like a perfect way to keep my immune system healthy while enjoying a smoothie. And with the cold/flu season about to start up, any added boost of immunity is a VERY good thing.
Always good to be prepared for the upcoming cold/flu season, especially this year!!
Def want to try this out especially with my compromised immune system. So glad there’s no grapefruit or pomegranate as transplant patients can’t have those ingredients!!!
You should definitely try it, Chastiry, I think it could really help! And even if it had ingredients on your ‘can’t eat’ list, you could always swap them out for items that fit into your personal dietary guidelines. 🙂
I would love to try the black elderberry syrup! I have been working to boost my immune system and I think this would be a delicious way to give it a big boost.
It is, Beth!
This looks excellent and i would love this to boost my immune system especially since i have three auto-immune diseases and it is not safe for me to get sick
It is a great addition to a strong wellness regimen! 🙂
Elderberry syrup is such a tried and true, downhome, easy way to boost immunity. I’ve recently gone back to work as a teacher and until I saw your post, realized I forgot to make my own!
It really is such a great immunity booster, Rachael! Thank you for all you do as a teacher. Stay healthy!!
This sounds like the perfect smoothie for back to school and work time! Quick question- I’ve never used dragon fruit, is there any tricks for peeling and cutting? Thank you!
You can cut the peel off like you would an orange, there are some great videos online that show you (just search ‘how to peel a dragon fruit’). If you want a quicker way, many grocery stores carry frozen dragon fruit that’s already been peeled and cubed. Happy blending! 🙂
With everything going on with viruses and cancers and the cold/flu season around the corner, who can’t benefit from the extra boost of Sambucol Black Elderberry syrup!! Great healthy addition to any smoothie!! ❤️
Sooooo true!!
Wow this looks amazing, I’d love to get some elderberry syrup to boost not only my immune system but my families too, especially my dad, he turns 86 next week and he’s a rock in my life. Can’t wait to try it, especially with locally sourced dragon fruit which is plentiful here in Miami FL.
I love having access to so much fresh, local fruit when I visit Florida! And happy early birthday to your dad! 😀
I love to put immune boosting ingredients in my daily smoothies. Last year I even ordered some dried elderberries and made my own syrup. It was really easy peasy.
Love that you made your own syrup!
I’ve been looking into the all natural route for awhile now and I think there’s something to this elderberry. Excited to try the recipe and the brand you recommended. Hope it helps us all stay strong and safe during these times. Thanks so much.
I agree, Sarah! Elderberry is good stuff. After you try the smoothie, come back and let us know what you thought! 🙂
How often would you drink this smoothie to get the benefits – daily or is that too much?
Laura, I think you could drink it daily if you like.
How could you not try this smoothie with that color!! I can’t wait to use some of the homemade elderberry syrup we made from an SGS recipe.
Agreed! The color is like a neon purple, I love it! And a great way to use your homemade elderberry syrup. 😀
Can you add spinach or some kind of greens?
You definitely can, Lisa! I think spinach would work great and wouldn’t take away from the taste of the dragon fruit and blackberries. 🙂
Perfect smoothie for back to school immunity boosting!
Exactly, Kat! We all need all the immunity-boosting help we can get right now and this smoothie is perfect for that! 🙂
My mom made her own elderberry syrup and we’ve been using that. Is there added benefit to Sambucol’s
Hey Olivia! No, there is no added benefit (except for convenience). I think a lot of people prefer homemade to store bought and that’s great you have some of your own!