Cold and virus season is here, and this homemade elderberry syrup recipe is a great way to keep ourselves and our families healthy during the sniffle season.

DIY elderberry syrup is not only healing and delicious, but it’s also much more cost-effective than buying storebought brands.

Click play to join me in my kitchen for a DIY elderberry syrup demonstration, or keep reading and grab the printable recipe below.

As a Health Coach, I often get asked about the best natural remedies for immune support, and one of my all-time favorites is elderberry. With its powerful immune-boosting properties, elderberry is a fantastic ally in promoting wellness and resilience during the colder months.

Today I’m sharing a classic elderberry syrup recipe that you can easily make at home. And by the way, this healthy homemade remedy also makes a great base for a mocktail, too. Let’s dive in.

Packed with immune-supporting elderberries and naturally sweetened with honey, this homemade syrup recipe is easy to make and much healthier than bottled alternatives. Add it to your daily routine for a natural health boost.

Elderberry Syrup Benefits

• Supports immune system function
• Helps maintain normal, healthy functioning of the immune system
• Promotes resilience during times of stress on the body’s systems
• Contains powerful antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress
• May help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms
• Naturally preserved with organic honey; no need to add other preservatives
• Provides a delicious flavor when sweetened, making it enjoyable to consume
• Makes a great mocktail if you want a festive drink!

Elderberry Syrup Dosage

There isn’t a set standard for taking homemade elderberry syrup. I take 1 teaspoon per day during cold and flu season, and up to 3 if I’m feeling sick.

For store-bought brands, the standard dose of elderberry syrup can vary depending on the specific product and brand. However, a generally recommended dose for adults in storebought products is typically equivalent to 1-2 teaspoons (5-10 mL) per day as a preventive measure during cold and flu season. If you are using elderberry syrup to address specific symptoms, you may increase the dose to 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 mL) every few hours until symptoms improve.

While all of the ingredients in this elderberry syrup recipe can be found at the grocery store, if you’re concerned it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements or remedies to your routine.

Also, if you’re taking medications, you may want to consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before consuming elderberry syrup or other natural remedies. According to mountsinai.org, because elderberry may stimulate the immune system, it could interfere with medications taken to suppress the immune system. These medications include corticosteroids (prednisone) and medications used to treat autoimmune diseases. People with organ transplants should also avoid elderberry.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

See the printable recipe card below for full details.

Find all of my ingredients and supplies here.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried organic elderberries (I use these ones)
• 4 cups filtered water
• 1-inch knob of fresh ginger root, grated (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 1/4 cup raw, local honey (use organic maple syrup for a vegan recipe); adjust honey depending on how much liquid strains out of the elderberries, learn more in the video here

Optionally add alcohol to preserve this even longer and make it shelf-stable (I skip this to make this family-friendly and instead keep mine in the refrigerator. Learn more about this in the video here.)

• 1 cup high-quality vodka or brandy (optional to increase shelf life, skip to keep this family-friendly or if you don’t drink alcohol)

Directions

1. Add the elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, and water to a pot and bring to a boil then immediately reduce to simmer. Simmer for 40-45 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let steep for 30 to 60 minutes to cool slightly. It should remain a little warm to mix with the honey. Don’t worry about the heat here, it’s nowhere near the pasteurization temperature that would affect the honey.
3. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or a doubled cheesecloth above a bowl (one with a spout is nice so you can pour it into a jar) and press out the liquid. Discard used herbs in compost.
4. After 30-60 minutes, add honey and stir to incorporate.
5. If using vodka or brandy, add now and stir until well combined.
6. Bottle in a clean glass container and store in the refrigerator. (If you add the alcohol, it should be shelf-stable for up to 6 months. However, there isn’t a set standard for this, so always be mindful. I think it’s best to store it in the refrigerator regardless.)

Tips:

• If adjusting the amount, the ratio of elderberries to water is 1:2. In this recipe we start with 2 cups elderberries and 4 cups water.
• Be sure to add honey in a ratio that is at least half of the total volume of liquid after it has simmered (a 2:1 ratio of elderberry liquid to honey). In this video, we had 2 1/2 cups liquid, so we added 1 1/4 cup honey. This amount can change slightly, and you want to make sure you have enough preservative (honey) so that your syrup won’t spoil. (For example, if you are left with 2 cups of elderberry decoction, you will want to add at least 1 cup of honey.)
• This recipe is easily adaptable for a family-friendly version by omitting the alcohol and storing the syrup in the refrigerator. I personally do not add the alcohol.
• Find my elderberry syrup mocktail recipe here.

If you make it, please leave a rating and review on the recipe card (access it in the comments below) to let others know how it turns out!

Find more healing recipes here.

Enjoy!

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Elderberry Syrup Making Supplies