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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 use homemade elderberry syrup or purchase at many stores, I used the Sambucol Black Elderberry Syrup in this elderberry smoothie recipe.
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.
- 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, if you prefer.
- Elderberry syrup: The star ingredient! Elderberry syrup is known for its immune-boosting properties and adds a delicious, slightly tart berry flavor to the smoothie. You can try my DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe, or save time and purchase from most pharmacies and grocery stores.
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.
- 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!
More Elderberry Recipes
For more immune boosting recipes using elderberry syrup, check out my Elderberry Popsicles, Homemade Elderberry Syrup and my Antioxidant Smoothie Cubes. You might also like Romana’s Elderberry Jam recipe— I plan to make it next time I make a batch of my homemade elderberry syrup.
Don’t forget to rate + review this elderberry smoothie once you make it.
Blackberry Elderberry Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup dragon fruit frozen
- ½ cup blackberries
- 1 banana
- 1 cup coconut water
- 2 tsp elderberry syrup
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
Video
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.
- Feel free to add 1 cup leafy greens or 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower to increase the fiber content.
With the current state of the environment, our health is impacted. Every little positive move helps!
Very true, Cindy!
Love elderberry! Hoping to boost my families immune system!!!
This smoothie is a great way to do that!
Love this fun way to incorporate elderberry syrup into your diet. Especially with cold/flu season around the corner.
This looks delicious! Need all the immune boosting I can get right now as I’m having surgery soon and live with a teacher back in the classroom.
Stay healthy, Martha!
It’s such a tasty recipe and it boosts your immune system!
I not only want to get better and feel better, but I want to be better. Elderberry will help me with these goals.
Thanks
Great goals, Truscenia!
Looks delish! Love the tartness of elderberry. Something that’s yummy AND boosts immunity? SOLD!
Don’t you love that it’s the best of both?!
I have a compromised immune system so I loved learning about the elderberry syrup, your email about the smoothie was the first I had heard about this delightful little superfood. I researched it right away and I can’t wait to add this to my regimen and hopefully stay healthy this COVID/FLU season.
So glad we were able to introduce you to elderberry, Vanessa!
looks tasty!
It is! 🙂
I’m hoping to boost my immune system as we head into the cold and flu season! And then there is COVID. Every little bit helps.
Every little bit does help, Mary!
I have never tried elderberry but started hearing about it last year. I workout daily and eat mostly a healthy plant based diet so I feel great most of the time. However when I get a simple cold it really takes me down. I get a sore throat, body aches, headaches, and really fatigued. I get these colds often in the winter months. I am really hoping that elderberry will give my immune system the boost it needs.
I think it could really help!
I have been looking for a way to keep my family healthy naturally and this power purple/pink elderberry smoothie is an awesome way to achieve my goal. My oldest daughter had made had asthma and with going back to school we want to keep her healthy as well as her younger brother. We tried this smoothie as a family and everyone was on board with this smoothie!! Still working on green smoothies for my hysb and daughter. Thanks for caring enough to share so we all can become more healthy naturally!!
So glad this smoothie was a hit!
My whole family needs the immune boost of this smoothie, more specifically, the elderberry syrup! I teach pre-k in person, my toddler attends the same daycare where I work, and my husband has a weak immune system. Our son catches all the daycare germs, my husband catches all of HIS germs, and I’m in my own petri dish of a classroom every day. Ugh!
Then this is a great smoothie for you + your whole family!
Love this Elderberry Syrup! My husband and I both use it to support our immune systems. We are both in need of all the help we can get, especially during this Covid 19 pandemic. This syrup has so many GREAT advantages, it’s worth its weight in gold!
It really is, Laurie!
This recipe is sooo good! My daughter just started school and usually whenever she heads back, she brings home colds and we all get sick. The family seems to just keep passing it around all fall. So I’m super excited for ways to keep my family healthy, especially with everything else going on. And my kids love it! They ask for this every morning.
That’s great to hear, Ellie! Awesome that the whole family loves it. 🙂
Hi, Jen! We have never tried elderberry syrup before, but it sounds like a yummy way to build up our natural defenses, especially with school starting back up. I have three young children and my husband is a pastor of a small church; we want to stay healthy so we can keep doing the work of loving and serving the people in our community, so thank you very much for the recipes and inspiration! 🙂
It’s a great way to support your immune system, Mandie!
I’m love elderberry first immune function! I’m hoping to boost my immune system ahead of this years flu season!
Me too, Mary!
We have used elderberry throughout cold and flu season – gummies and liquid. Would really come in handy right now to help boost my sons immune system while he navigates life at ASU…long study nights, maybe not eating like he should, and being a resident in an apartment complex with every growing Covid19 cases.
Maintaining a strong immune system is definitely important for all the college kids out there!