This page has everything you need to know how to make elderberry syrup. With flu season upon us, it’s a good idea to learn how to make the home version. Not only does DIY elderberry syrup tastes better than the retail version, you get to see and pick everything that goes into it. It’s also very easy to make. In just a half hour, you’ll be sipping syrup like the flu was just an after thought.
Last updated: April 7, 2020
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DIY Elderberry Syrup
Why make your own elderberry syrup? Well it’s simple. Because you get to see everything put into this holistic remedy. By the way, did I mention this is the best elderberry syrup recipe? I will show you how easy it is to make elderberry syrup and by the time you’re finished reading my recipe, you’ll never need to make a purchase at the store.
How much does it cost to make?
Let’s do the math real quick. Keep in mind some of the ingredients I used are organic and my local prices may be a little different from your area.
My recipe yields about 4 cups of syrup costing me about 44 cents per fluid ounce. Many brands are selling it at about $2.00 per fluid ounce! Man, that is a big difference in price! And that ladies and gents is the number one reason why I would rather make my own. You would be surprised at how easy it is too. If you know how to boil water and pour it into a cup, then you can make elderberry syrup.
How long does elderberry syrup last?
In an air glass tight container, and in the refrigerator it will last up to two weeks. I’ve read you can keep it longer for months but I generally do not like to store things longer than that. If you find yourself with leftover elderberry syrup longer than 2 weeks then you can always freeze them.
Be sure to shake the container before consumption so you can be sure you’re getting all the ingredients. I also want to mention that if you’re not really sure, always check for mold. If it smells bad and you see mold, then you should toss it out. Common sense always comes first and you can always make more.
How to make it thick?
But what’s that I hear? You like it thiiiccccckkk. No problem. There are a couple of solutions. One way is to simmer it in the pot longer (about 1.5 hours) until most of the elderberry liquid has evaporated. This will make the liquid more concentrated. And when it comes time to add the honey, add more. Stir and if its consistency is to your liking then you’re done. If not, then I suggest adding more honey in.
Is there a Instant Pot Elderberry Recipe?
I totally get the allure. With extra pressure, there is more flavor. Fortunately, making it on the instant pot is just as easy and I’ve got the recipe card below. It’s pretty much the same process except you should let the pressure release naturally and if you want it thicker, I suggest putting it on saute mode for an additional 10 minutes after Natural Pressure Release (NPR).
Where to buy Elderbery Syrup?
Ok, I get it. You don’t have much time to go shopping for ingredients and work is piling up so there’s no time to make it either. You just want a hassle free experience. Well, if that’s the case you can buy elderberry from just about any pharmacy. The most common brand I’ve seen is Sambucol but in reality, there are many brands and varieties out there from organic syrup to gummies. If going to brick and mortars not your thing, then you can also find them at Amazon.
What You’ll Need
- Honey
- Elderberry
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Lemon
- Ginger
That’s all it takes. If you want the minimalist version, then all you need is elderberry and honey but since this is the best recipe, I’ve added the other spices for extra butt kicking immunity.
Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- Soup Pot
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried Elderberry or 2 cups if using fresh/frozen elderberries
- 3 cups Water
- 0.5 cup Raw Honey
- 3 whole Cloves optional, can also use ½ tsp of ground cloves
- 1 knob Ginger, slices, about 1 inch optional, can also use 1 tsp of ground ginger
- 1 stick Cinnamon optional, can also use 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1 wedge Lemon optional for vitamin C
Instructions
For Stove Top
- In a pot, combine elderberries, water, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Stir to mix together. Turn heat to high and let it coming to a boil.
- Then Simmer for 45 minute to 1 hour with top covering most of pot.
- Then strain out the elderberries, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger slices. Then pour honey and stir well.Pro tip: You can use a cheesecloth or if you're like me who don't have one, you can use a strainer. Once the elderberries have been strained, squeeze out the remaining juices.
- When it's cooled down, add honey and mix well.
- Your elderberry syrup is now ready. This recipe yields about 4 cups of elderberry syrup.Prior to serving, squeeze a lemon wedge for extra vitamin C.
For Instant Pot
- In a pot, combine elderberries, water, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Stir to mix together.
- Cover Instant pot and set on Manual for 10 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally, this will take another half hour.
- Open the lid, and strain out the elderberries, cinnamon stick, cloves, and ginger slices. Then pour honey and stir well.
- Your elderberry syrup is now ready. This recipe yields about 4 cups of elderberry syrup.Prior to serving, squeeze a lemon wedge for extra vitamin C.