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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.
Between the stress of 2020 and a hectic schedule, I would like to get ahead of flu season.
Amen, Sharon!
I am constantly feeling run down because not only do I work full time away from the house – I am also a primary caregiver to my homebound mother – I can’t get sick – so I’m always looking for proven ways to boost my immune system. Your green smoothie recipes keep me going and I would love to try adding this syrup to my arsenal! Thanks!
So glad our green smoothie recipes help keep you going, Angela. Stay strong, sending you lots of health and wellness vibes!
I have been interesting in items that can provide added protection from all the viruses out there as well as to help with my sinusitis. I need the boost from that perspective but also because I work closely with someone who’s spouse is battling cancer and from someone who’s been down that road before, you do all you can to prevent from getting sick or being around someone sick. I’ll make sure to add this juice to my daily routine. Thank you!
Kudos to you, Vanessa, for understanding how your health can affect those around you!
I am a pediatric nurse working in a residential facility. These children are medically fragile. It is important for me to stay as healthy as possible in order to keep the children well also. I have been reading up on the benefits of Elderberry and would like to try it in my smoothies.
Thank you for your work, Bridgett! Stay healthy.
Ever since I got Covid-19 in March and was able to recover. I have been taking elderberry gummies and giving them to my family to boost our immune system. I would to try the syrup for my family.
So sorry you had Covid-19, Lerma, but I’m glad you were able to recover. The gummies and syrup are both great ways to help keep yourself and your family healthy. 🙂
What a yummy recipe! We can all use an immune system boost. But the healthy we keep ourselves the better for us and everyone around us. Thank you so much for doing the hard work of finding the good stuff we need to keep us healthy without medication!
You’re so welcome, Laura! 🙂
I could not find the Dragon fruit but found the Dragon Fruit Powder, will I get the same results?
Ethel, I think dragon fruit powder would be similar enough to actual dragon fruit. I would just make sure there are no added sugars, preservatives, etc.
We are definitely all about immune boosting at our house! We are considered an “at risk” family, and we are doing everything we can to stay healthy and strong! Green smoothies every morning, gut health support, and we love our elderberry syrup!
That’s great, Jennifer! Sounds like you’re kicking butt in the immune boosting department!
I am an essential worker in Hospice care, so it is important that I be in good health as I care for our patients. I am just now learning the multiple benefits of Elderberries and would like to add it to my healthcare plan. Thanks!
Elderberries are truly awesome! Thank you for being an essential worker and stay healthy, Deborah! 🙂
We use Sambucol Effervescent with Zinc and C (which is hard to get right now), would love to have syrup and make the smoothies tho. Love the stuff!
It is great stuff, isn’t it?!
Wow! This looks amazing! I have an autoimmune and had surgery last September that was supposed to help with not getting strep as much. (Tonsillectomy) within 2 days I had pneumonia, developed pneumonia 6 times in the past year. My immune system has been completely decimated. For awhile I wasn’t able to eat but I have been starting to add smoothies back in I am a single mama to a 5 year old so I’m determined to be around a long long time! I’m actually making a instacart (I don’t have the energy to grocery shop and I also have to limit leaving them house being so high risk now) for my smoothie making, my Jack loves them too! Thanks for all you guys do, I have the Fresh Start in front of me. The doctor said I am being poisoned by all the toxins and dead viral cells in my body. Awful. So, I’m doing everything in my power to get healthy once and for all. I spent years having people tell me I didn’t matter and it set in, guys hurting me, I just stopped taking care of myself. It’s been my whole life really. But, all of that led me to my beautiful little dude and he’s worth it, the fight and so am I.
It’s def important to take care of yourself for your little guy and smoothies are a great way to give your body the nourishment it needs. So glad we can help you on your journey to getting healthy and taking good care of yourself. Wishing you health and wellness!
I am a medical student and work daily in hospitals and clinics. Elderberry is the perfect boost to add to smoothies to help keep my immune system active and strong as I see sick patients, especially as we enter COVID-19 + Influenza season.
Keep up your great work and thank you for all you do, Jenny!
With elderberry, it’s super important to be consistent with it. This giant bottle would be great to help with the consistency of having a little bit every single day. It’s important to use things such as elderberry syrup to keep our immune system up at all times instead of consuming it when their systems are already down. This syrup would be great to have during cold and flu season (during a pandemic).
Very true, Jenn! But I also want to point out that studies have shown 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. Either way, it’s a great immune booster to have on hand, especially this time of year!
Elderberry syrup is so helpful when my kiddos get a cold, or allergies got them feeling run down.
It’s such a great thing to have on hand for just those situations, isn’t it?
I ordered some from Amazon last week and can’t wait to make this gorgeous pink immune boosting smoothie!
After you make the smoothie, come back and let us know how you liked it!
My gut needs to be healed and immune system needs to be boosted. I love breakfast smoothies especially with berries, bananas and greens. I can’t wait to try elderberry – it has such good health benefits in the long run. I was fascinated to learn this week about the berry family – mulberries, elderberries and I grew up eating gooseberries. So good and refreshing!!
This smoothie is a great way to help boost your immune system and if you want to add greens to it, I recommend baby spinach or baby kale. You want something mild tasting so it doesn’t take away from the deliciousness of the berries and dragon fruit!