Homemade Elderberry Syrup
The ultimate comfort food, Homemade Elderberry Syrup is a rich, immune-boosting delight that you can whip up in your kitchen. Packed with natural goodness, it’s perfect for soothing colds and enhancing your wellness routine. Make it tonight and experience the comforting flavors!
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Peeler
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup quality dried elderberries or 2 cups fresh
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh ginger peeled
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 4 teaspoons ground cloves
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup raw honey local if possible
Instructions
- Begin by placing all of the ingredients, except for the honey, in a small saucepan. Make sure to use either dried or fresh elderberries based on what you have.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, as you want to reach boiling without burning the ingredients.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. You want it to gently bubble away for approximately 30 minutes.
- As it simmers, check the liquid level. You're aiming for it to reduce by roughly half, but you don’t have to be exact.
- After simmering, use a fork or potato masher to mash the berries. This helps release their juices and enhance the flavor of the syrup.
- Let the mixture steep for a few minutes once mashed. This step allows for a fuller flavor.
- Next, strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl. Make sure to press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. You can also use a food mill if you have one.
- Once strained, let the liquid cool until it reaches room temperature. Be sure it’s no hotter than lukewarm.
- Stir in the honey once cooled. This is where the syrup gets its sweetness and additional health benefits.
- Transfer the syrup to a clean bottle or jar. It makes about 3 cups, perfect for sharing or keeping for yourself!
- Store in the refrigerator. It will keep for at least 2 weeks. You can take 1 tablespoon 3 to 4 times a day for adults trying to prevent a cold or flu, adjusting as needed for children.
Notes
Be mindful of the elderberries: While they’re delicious and packed with nutrients, raw elderberries can be toxic. Make sure you cook them properly. The syrup thickens as it cools. If you find it too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce it further. Using local raw honey not only sweetens but also supports local beekeepers. It often has a richer flavor and retains more nutrients. If you want to experiment, try adding a splash of fresh lemon juice for an extra zest.