This post contains affiliate links.
This homemade elderberry syrup recipe is an easy addition to my morning routine during the school year. It’s sweet, a little spicy, and simple to make on the stove. I’m going to teach you how to make elderberry syrup, along with a few delicious ways to use it.
What's in this post
Homemade elderberry syrup recipe
Making this elderberry syrup recipe isn’t super difficult, and can be adjusted based on your preferences. Here are some tips on what to buy where, and how best to prepare this delicious syrup.
I buy elderberries from Mountain Rose Herbs because they are certified organic and I trust where they source their ingredients. I buy local, raw honey. It’s nice to buy it in season from a local farm, yet it’s not necessary.
While ground ginger works great, fresh ginger root is even better + more nutritious. Grate your ginger and cook with the elderberries, then strain it during step 2. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, and fresh ginger adds a bolder, spicier flavor to your elderberry syrup recipe.
If you’ve got any other fresh ingredients (cinnamon, cloves, etc), then use them for extra flavor!
November 9-13, 2026
Jen’s Free Soup Challenge
I’d love for you to soup it up with me! For 5 days, I’ll send you a daily veggie-packed soup that’s easy enough for a busy weeknight and makes enough to freeze and pull out all winter.
About elderberry
Elderberry is a berry that comes from a Sambucus tree. Used for centuries by people throughout North America, Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, this isn’t a new ingredient. Raw elderberries are poisonous, so make sure they’re properly cooked before consuming.
Cooked elderberries make delicious jams, pies, syrups, juice, and wine, just like other berries. While you might not find them in the produce section of your local grocery store, they can often be found in their dried form in health food stores, or at local markets. I order mine through Mountain Rose Herbs.
Elderberry has a long history as a pantry staple across multiple continents, and it makes a deep purple syrup with a rich berry flavor. So keep this elderberry syrup recipe on hand!
The many uses for the elderberry plant
While the berries are most often sought after, other parts of the Sambucus tree can also be useful (and edible!):
- Both the berries and flowers are edible when cooked/prepared properly.
- Cook down the berries to make syrups (keep reading on how to make my elderberry syrup recipe below!), juices, or jams. These are both delicious and healthy.
- Boil the flowers into a soothing tea, or use raw on top of a salad.
6 Recipes using elderberry
I love using this homemade elderberry syrup in recipes; it’s super simple to add. Here are a few of my fav ways to use it:
- Elderberry Popsicles: Make a batch and keep them in the freezer.
- Blackberry Elderberry Smoothie: A berry-packed smoothie to sip any time.
- Smoothie Cubes: Freeze a batch, then drop a few cubes into any smoothie.
- Fruit Leather: A 4-ingredient snack your kids will love, made with elderberry syrup.
- Berry Sangria: Uses elderberry syrup to brighten and sweeten this non-alcoholic mocktail.
- Stir 1 tablespoon into warm water or tea (I usually do this in the morning).
How do you like to use elderberry syrup? Leave a comment below and let me know any new recipes I need to check out!
More natural recipes
I care about 1 thing when it comes to natural recipes: they have to be simple and taste good. Over the years I’ve built up quite the recipe base, so check out a few of my favorites alongside this elderberry syrup recipe:
- Ginger Switchel: A tangy, refreshing ginger drink.
- Spinach Papaya Smoothie: A fresh, tropical green smoothie.
- Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie: A smoothie made with anti-inflammatory ingredients.
- Ginger Lemon Honey Tea: A sweet, spicy concentrate you scoop into hot water.
- Homemade Deodorant: A truly natural option that works like a charm.
- Lavender Sleep Tea: A warm lavender tea for winding down in the evening.
These are the natural recipes I keep coming back to, and I hope you love them too!
Common Questions
This is a sweet, deep purple syrup made by simmering dried elderberries with warm spices, then stirring in raw honey. It has been made at home for centuries.
Yes! As long as the elderberries are properly cooked, you can stir a tablespoon into warm water each day, or add it to your fav smoothie recipe.
It tastes like a rich, slightly tart berry syrup with warm spice from the cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Black elderberries are high in antioxidants, and the raw honey adds natural sweetness.
Recipe Card
Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried elderberries
- 2 cup water
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp ginger root ground
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 ½ cup raw honey
- 2-3 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar optional
Instructions
- Place the elderberries, water, cinnamon, thyme, ginger and cloves in a nonreactive saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, smashing the elderberries with the back of a wooden spoon as they soften.
- Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Stir in the honey and the apple cider vinegar, if using. Transfer to a quart jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to several months.
You’ll want it later
Save this recipe
Drop your email and I’ll send it to you.
Share with a friend
Recipe Notes
- Honey Swap: Raw honey isn’t safe for babies under 1 year old, so don’t give this syrup to them. For a vegan syrup, use pure maple syrup in place of the honey.
- Elderberry Tip: Always cook dried elderberries fully, as in this recipe; raw elderberries shouldn’t be eaten.
- Instant Pot Method: Combine the elderberries, water and spices in the pot. Pressure cook on high for 9 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes before mashing, straining and stirring in the honey.
- Storing: Keep the syrup in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 months, or freeze it in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Shake before using.
Nutrition
Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 2 mg | Potassium: 14 mg | Sugar: 14 g | Vitamin A: 6 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 7 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Jen, how would you alter this if using fresh (frozen) berries? I have a bunch in my freezer I need to use up!
Awesome question Lolly! So if using fresh or frozen (totally jealous of that freezer stash btw!), you would want to double the amount. The recipe called for 1/2 cup dried, so use 1 cup fresh or frozen. Also, you will need to reduce the amount of liquid. Try starting with 1 cup of water instead and add more if needed.
I’m almost 70 yrs old. With covid and the flu season approaching I’m always looking for ways to boost my immune system. I have heard about elderberry syrup but never tried it. Thank you!
What could be used instead of honey I am vegan and don’t eat honey?
Carli, you can sub pure maple syrup for honey at a 1:1 ratio.
I’m definitely making this! Great idea! Can’t wait to try it out!
Elderberries are truly incredible!
I am super stoked to try the elderberry syrup. What a fantastic way to help boost my immune system and to keep myself healthy during this winter season!!
I couldn’t have said it better! Elderberries are AMAZING!!