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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.
I’ve been feeling run down. Furloughed from work, now full time school tech support for my kids while they remote learn. In the past I’ve taken elderberry gummies to get me back on track. I imagine this would do me wonders.
I think it really could!
This syrup has gotten us through the COVID-19 ordeal. The whole family has been using it since last November and ( knock on wood ) so far so good!
That’s really great to hear, Adele!
I tried it for the smoothie for the first time today. Really want to boost my immune system to be healthier.
What did you think of the smoothie, Ethel?
This looks like an amazing recipe; I am always looking for ways to boost my immunity! Can’t wait to try it!
Come back to rate it after you give it a try! 🙂
I am 61…WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN!!! Friends have been telling me the benefits of Elderberry syrup for a while now and I am going to try these recipes (I love smoothies) and see how it effects my body. Thanks for making healthy delicious too!
Haha, Teresa, age is just a number, isn’t it?! Elderberry syrup is a great way to help keep your immune system strong and if you already love smoothies, it’s a great boost to add to them!
I need elderberry syrup to keep me from being so sick with bronchitis–or at least help it be less miserable. When I get flu or colds, I have them for a month or more. Need to ramp up my immune system!
Def do all you can to keep that immune system strong, Nancy!!
I’ve never tried Elderberry, but have been told that it is the thing to use to boost the immune system and in this time of corona I need all the help I can get. Thanks. #rawkon!
So true, Patricia! Rawk on!! 🙂
Looks like a great smoothie to try! I love elderberry syrup for myself and my kids enjoy taking it! It is a great option for them and gives me peace of mind knowing they are boosting their immune systems.
Come back to let us know how you liked the smoothie after you give it a try!!
This recipe looks DELIGHTFUL! I have a friend that makes homemade elderberry syrup and I would love to see how these compare 🙂
Come back to let us know how they compared to each other, Natalie!
As a para educator working with special need kids, I am finding all the ways to boost my immunity especially in this pandemic season.
It’s great you are looking into all the ways to boost your immune system, there are many! And thank you for the work you do as a para educator, Pavithra!
I’m starting your 10 day challenge again and it would be great to include this immune boosting smoothie!
It would be a great boost to add to the challenge smoothies!
My immune system is in need of real help! I have allergies so severe it’s almost like a flu. I don’t know what triggered my allergies to be so bad but I know I am very susceptible to any cold or flu someone has. I really would love my immune system to have some help and begin a real change in my body. Thanks!
So sorry to hear about your allergies, Laura! I think elderberry syrup could def help strengthen your immune system and fight those allergies. I also want to recommend honey; many folks with allergies say eating a little bit of raw, local honey helps ease their allergy symptoms.
Since I have a low immune system, I do what I can to naturally boost it. The elderberry syrup would be a great complement to my diet.
I have always been on the forefront of utilizing foods as medicine. I suffer from mastocytosis and what I eat plays a huge role in how the disease presents itself. Furthermore, I am a teacher who is going into school 5 days a week with students present. I want to protect myself, my family, my friends and my students by keeping my immunity strong! Elderberry syrup sounds like an awesome and tasty way to do so! Thanks for sharing. ✊
We thank all the teachers, Stacey, and we appreciate you!! This is definitely an important time of year to keep our immune systems as strong as possible.
Elderberry syrup is a great addition to your diet to help keep your immune system strong, Phyllis! 🙂
I’ve never used Elderberry syrup before. Interested in how it can boost our immune system. Would love to try it! Thanks, Jen and team for everything you guys do to keep us healthy!
Hey Kelli, you’re so welcome! Our blog entry on making your own elderberry syrup has some great info on its benefits (https://simplegreensmoothies.com/elderberry-syrup).
Need this! We’ve been sick in March already with Covid-19 (entire family including our 2 young kids). Unfortunately we are still all dealing with the after-effects, despite it being more than 6 months now since we first got sick). I keep on adding things to our diet that helps boost our immune system and elderberry has been on my to-do list for a few months now.
Honestly, I wanted to make a syrup myself, to keep it as clean as possible. But then I saw this from Sambucol and realised it could be so much easier! I’m all about keeping it easy these days 🙂
Oh, Larissa, I am so sorry to hear your whole family got Covid-19 and are still dealing with the aftereffects! Keep up the good work in adding immune-boosting foods to your family’s diet (and yes, keeping it easy sounds like a good plan for you!). Sending lots of get well vibes your way!
Thank you for the easy and delicious healthy smoothie recipe! Always looking for simple, clean ways to enhance our immune systems and feel good doing it.
You’re welcome, Beth! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
My kids have elderberry immune boosting gummies, but I haven’t boosted myself or my husband. With the pandemic, we have been super careful because we have family with health issues that could be badly affected if they caught covid. If it could be as simple as some syrup in an extra yummy smoothie to keep everyone healthier, count me in! 🙂
That’s great your kids have gummies to help their immune systems! You and your husband def need to get in on the elderberry/immune boosting love! And yes, it is as simple and as delicious as a smoothie, so no excuses!! 🙂
In this day and age, with Covid-19 here, I am trying to stay as healthy as possible. This syrup sounds like it would be a healthy boost to my day to remain in good health through this pandemic and help stay healthy for the rest of my life!
So true, Kelly!
We use elderberry syrup when someone in the house is starting to feel like they are getting sick. Never thought to use it in a smoothie!
You’re already ahead of the game, Valerie! 🙂 Def give it a try in a smoothie and see what you and your family think!
I’ve used black elderberry for myself and my kids whenever there is a need to give their immune systems a boost. With school opening in a week they will go back every other week (the school chose a hybrid model for return), and I just want to arm their bodies the best way I can to stay healthy. I really appreciate SGS and applaud all their efforts to help give me the knowledge and recipes I’ve been looking for to make that happen. You help give me a bit more peace of mind in a world I can’t control. Thank you!
Patty, this was so well said and I believe it echoes the thoughts and feelings of so many parents and guardians out there! I’m sure your kiddos appreciate all you do to help keep them healthy! (even if they forget to say so 😉 )