Description
A simple, natural, and effective homemade elderberry syrup infused with ginger, honey, and spices to support the immune system during cold and flu season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (115g) dried elderberries
- 1 cup (340g) raw honey
- 1 large knob fresh ginger root (approx. 3 inches / 50g), peeled and chopped
- 2 cups (475ml) water
- 1 whole cinnamon stick (3 inches)
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine dried elderberries, water, chopped ginger, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce heat to low.
- Simmer gently for 20 minutes until the liquid turns deep purple and reduces slightly.
- Remove from heat and remove the cinnamon stick.
- Mash the elderberries with a masher or fork to release juices and let the mixture steep, covered, for 15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing firmly on solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.
- Let the liquid cool until warm to the touch (not hot) to preserve honey enzymes.
- Stir in raw honey until completely dissolved.
- Pour into a clean glass jar and seal tightly.
Notes
Do not use fresh elderberries as they contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides unless cooked thoroughly; dried are safer. Do not add honey to boiling liquid as it destroys beneficial enzymes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Strain twice if a clearer syrup is desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 16
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune boost, ginger honey remedy, natural cold remedy, homemade syrup, anti-inflammatory, winter wellness