How to Make Elderberry Syrup on the Stovetop
Learn how to make elderberry syrup on the stovetop so you always have homemade elderberry syrup on hand during cold and flu season!
Servings: 3 cups
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- spoon
- fine mesh strainer
- jar or container
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks or 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 " piece of ginger root optional
- 1 cup honey using raw honey is preferred
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, dried elderberries, cinnamon sticks, and ginger (if using).
- Heat on medium heat until the mixture starts to boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover with a lid.
- Simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the syrup is reduced by about half.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. Pour the syrup through a strainer into a glass bowl. Use the back of a spoon to squeeze any remaining juice out of the berries. Discard the elderberries.
- Allow the elderberry syrup to cool completely before whisking in the honey.
- Add the honey and stir until it dissolves into the mixture.
- Pour the completed elderberry syrup into a jar, add a lid, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze syrup in ice cube trays and thaw whenever you need them. Makes about 3 cups of elderberry syrup.
Notes
Suggested Use: children over 1 year of age can take 1/2—1 teaspoon a day (do not give to children under 1 because the recipe contains honey). Adults can take 1 tablespoon per day as a preventative, and increase to every 2-3 hours if you feel an illness coming on.
You can use fresh elderberries, but increase the amount of berries to 2 cups. And be sure to remove the stems before cooking. Cook for 45 minutes to an hour.