Homemade Elderberry Syrup: Best Immune Booster for Cold Season
This homemade elderberry syrup is a simple, cost-effective, and customizable immune booster made with dried elderberries, warming spices, and raw honey. It’s a gentle, effective remedy that tastes great and is perfect for cold season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 4 cups water
- 1 (3-inch) piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 cup raw honey
Instructions
- Combine the dried elderberries, water, sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves in a large saucepan. Stir to submerge the berries.
- Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The liquid should reduce by about half.
- Optional: After 30 minutes, gently mash the berries with a potato masher or wooden spoon to release more beneficial compounds.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth-lined strainer over a large bowl or heatproof measuring cup. Carefully pour the hot mixture through the strainer. Press on the berries and spices with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Discard the spent berries and spices. Let the liquid cool for 10-15 minutes until warm to the touch (about 110-120°F).
- Whisk in the raw honey until completely dissolved. The syrup will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Pour the finished syrup into clean, dry glass jars using a funnel. Leave about ½ inch of headspace. Seal tightly and let cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating.
Notes
Do not add honey while the liquid is hot to preserve beneficial enzymes. Strain while warm for easier extraction. Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. Freeze in ice cube trays for up to a year. For babies under 1 year, omit honey and use maple syrup or use as a tea base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Calories: 3545
- Sugar: 911
- Carbohydrates: 1012
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune booster, homemade syrup, cold season, natural remedy, elderberry, honey, ginger, cinnamon, cloves