Description
A simple, immune-boosting homemade elderberry syrup made with raw honey, spices, and dried berries. This cozy remedy is easy to make, tastes like dessert, and helps soothe cold symptoms.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries (100g)
- 4 cups water (1 liter)
- 2 large cinnamon sticks
- 4–5 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 large strip orange peel (zest only)
- 1/2 cup raw honey (170g)
- 1 inch fresh ginger root, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dried elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, peppercorns, orange peel, and optional ginger in a medium saucepan.
- Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a lid slightly ajar, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes until warm but not scalding.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the flavor.
- Stir the raw honey into the warm strained syrup until completely dissolved.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary, then let cool completely to room temperature.
- Pour into a clean glass bottle or jar, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Do not add honey while the syrup is boiling hot, as this destroys the beneficial enzymes in raw honey. Ensure you use dried elderberries, as fresh ones can be toxic if not cooked properly. The syrup keeps for 3-4 weeks in the refrigerator or can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Not for infants under 1 year old due to raw honey.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 13
Keywords: elderberry syrup, homemade remedy, immune booster, raw honey, cozy night, cold remedy, natural health, vegan option