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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.
I just tried elderberry syrup for the first time last week while visiting my parents! I want to keep my immune system up so I can continue to spend time outside running and hiking.
Those are *great* reasons to keep up your immune system, Kathryn!!
I am a cancer patient and had almost all my innards removed. So I have no immune system and am a caregiver. I ordered a bottle of the elderberry and have been using it in the smoothie recipe. I’m hoping and believe it will keep me safe.
Def make sure to take care of yourself, Sam. Wishing you health and wellness!
I haven’t tried this recipe yet, just printed it yesterday. Always looking for ways to boost my immune system with healthy foods, especially this year since I’m a nurse and working in a hospital through the pandemic. Adding flu season to the mix could be challenging so excited to add this smoothie to my routine
Thank you for your work, Kate! This smoothie is a great way to help keep your immune system strong this fall and winter. Stay healthy!
As a middle school teacher, it is especially important for me to boost my immune system. In addition to the nature of our students not being super mindful of germs, Flu season is approaching, and of course, we are still living in a pandemic! As a vegetarian and naturalista, it is important for me to find healthy, natural ways to support my body and have it working as it’s maximum.
Well said, Marquita! We appreciate the teachers, now more than ever!!
I can’t rate the recipe because I haven’t tried it but based on the ingredients it looks delicious!! As a mom of 3 kiddos I need to keep immune systems up especially as we head into cold & flu season (and prayerfully not covid 2.0). Thank you for all your smoothie challenge recipes, the family and I love them!
Def come back to rate it after you give it a try, Ashley! So glad you love our challenges! 🙂
I use Elderberry tea but would love to try the syrup. With all the contaminants we are expose to ever day, our immune system deserve it. The color is so pretty too!
So true Ge-Ge, our immune systems deserve some extra love!
I’ve always wanted to boost my immune system with natural products especially since I work in a hospital and flu season is around the corner.
This really is the most important time of year to give our immune systems some extra help!
I’m 5 years Cancer-free (Yayyy!) and I’ve already been taking Sambucol to keep up my immunity, but this recipe is an awesome way to change up my morning since I already love dragonfruit also.
Hi Dee! First of all, CONGRATS on being 5 years cancer-free!!! That’s awesome. 😀
If you already like dragonfruit, I think you’re going to really love this smoothie!
I’ve never tried elderberry syrup, but love blackberries and dragon fruit! This will be a fun one to try!
Sarah, it’s pretty and delicious! Def give it a try and come back to leave your thoughts + rate it! 🙂
I’ve been making smoothies for 8 years and have never once considered putting elderberry syrup in a smoothie!
It really is a great boost to add to smoothies! And thank you for sharing the love with your own online community! 🙂
I will have to give this recipe a try. Looks and sounds delicious. A good way to stay healthy.
Def try it, Helena! And come back to let us know what you thought. 🙂
I haven’t tried this YET, but who doesn’t want to be Healthy, Wealthy and Wise.
Couldn’t have said it better, David! 😀
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!