Homemade elderberry syrup is a wonderful way to stock your pantry with nourishing foods, and save money at the same time. If you are anything like my family, you probably have tried the elderberry syrup or sambucol from the store and how do you say it nicely… weren’t a fan.
It’s either to sweet, to bitter, to sticky or to thick. There just never seems to be a perfect blend- gag! We noticed several years ago that the birds had planted elderberry bushes in our yard and so with glee we set out to make our own elderberry syrup from scratch. The result? So much better than the store!
For this recipe you can use either fresh or dried elderberries. We grow our own, however if you don’t have them you can find them online. I’ll link some down below for you.
Making Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Making our own elderberry syrup is a tradition that we do every year here at Rosevine Cottage (this and making fire cider), there are so many reasons to make this syrup. From the better flavor, to no extra fillers, it’s customizable so you can add extra ingredient’s with immune boosting properties. But the biggest may be the cost, which is especially frugal if you grow or forage the berries for yourself.
This article contains affiliate links, read our privacy policy for more information.
You may ask yourself is homemade elderberry syrup safe?
Homemade elderberry syrup is safe, when prepared properly. There is a toxin in the dried berries that is deactivated by proper cooking. Pick though the dried berries to remove any sticks or unripe (green) berries before you cook them.
Is Homemade Elderberry Syrup Better Than Store Bought?
Homemade elderberry syrup is going to be fresher than store bought, and will be free from any preservatives. When you make it yourself you can add extra immune boosters to your syrup.
How Long Does Homemade Elderberry Syrup Last?
Your homemade elderberry syrup should last about 12 weeks, as long as your elderberry syrup doesn’t develop mold, an off odor or flavor, it is likely still good and safe to consume after 12 weeks.
Do you need to refrigerate elderberry syrup? Yes, you do need to keep your elderberry syrup in the fridge.
Can You Freeze Homemade Elderberry Syrup?
Yes you can freeze homemade elderberry syrup for later use. This is a great way to preserve your elderberry syrup, just place it in a jar (remember to leave enough room for it to expand) and stick it in the freezer until you are ready to use.
Tips For Making Homemade Elderberry Syrup
Once you begin to smell a cooked berry smell, remove them from the heat. If you over cook the elderberries it can begin to be bitter.
For a thicker elderberry syrup recipe, add corn starch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder once the elderberries are cooked and strained. Bring the liquid back to simmer once more and add a thickener of your choice,
What You Can Do With The Leftover Elderberry Mash
Instead of throwing away the used elderberry mash (the solids that are left after you’ve smashed the berries through the strainer) save them to add to loose leaf tea, or use them for flavoring your homemade kombucha! Once you are done with the mash toss it into your compost pile or let you chickens at them.
What You Need To Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup
- Small Pan
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Strainer or Jelly Strainer
- Spoon
- Glass Bottle
- Apron
- Labels
- Elderberries
- Raw Honey
Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Elderberry Syrup
Ingredients
- 3 Cups filtered or spring water
- 1 Cup raw honey
- 1 Organic cinnamon stick
- 3 organic whole cloves
Instructions
- Place the elderberries, water, and spices in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil then reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until it reaches a syrupy thickness.
- Smash the berries to release any remaining juice.
- Strain the mixture through a colander or jelly strainer. Retain the mash if you wish.
- Allow the liquid to cool completely.
- Once the elderberry liquid is cool, stir in the raw honey.
- Pour the elderberry liquid into a jar and store in the refrigerator, or freeze for later use.
Notes
If you can not find raw honey, any honey will do.
If you want your syrup thicker you can add corn starch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder once the elderberries are cooked and strained. Bring the liquid back to simmer once more and add a thickener of your choice.
Before You Go, Check Out These Other Recipes
- How To Make Fire Cider Tonic
- Elderberry Tincture
- How To Make Wild Violet Syrup From Scratch
- Elderberry Muffins Recipe
- Elderberry Scones
Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe -
Homemade elderberry syrup is a wonderful way to stock your pantry with nourishing foods, and save money at the same time. If you are anything like my family, you probably have tried the elderberry syrup or sambucol from the store and how do you say it nicely... weren't a fan.
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Elderberry Syrup Recipe
Recipe Yield: 2-21/2 cups
Cooking Time: 30M
Total Time: 45M
Recipe Ingredients:
- Water
- Elderberries
- Honey
Recipe Instructions: Place the elderberries, water, and spices in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes or until it reaches a syrupy thickness. Smash the berries to release any remaining juice. Strain the mixture through a colander or jelly strainer. Retain the mash if you wish. Allow the liquid to cool completely. Once the elderberry liquid is cool, stir in the raw honey. Pour the elderberry liquid into a jar and store in the refrigerator, or freeze for later use.
5
