Description
A rich, antioxidant-rich homemade elderberry syrup infused with raw honey, cinnamon, and spices. It serves as a delicious immune-boosting condiment, a versatile morning ritual addition, and a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (100g) dried elderberries
- 4 cups (960ml) filtered water
- ½ cup (170g) raw honey
- 2 large cinnamon sticks (preferably Ceylon)
- 5–6 whole cloves
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 strip orange peel (no white pith)
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine dried elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger slices, orange peel, and peppercorns. Ensure ingredients are submerged.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid turns deep purple.
- Turn off the heat and gently mash the berries with a potato masher or wooden spoon to release juice. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing on solids to extract liquid. For clearer syrup, strain a second time through cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
- While the syrup is still warm (but not boiling), stir in the raw honey until completely dissolved.
- Pour the syrup into clean, sterilized glass bottles using a funnel. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Do not use fresh elderberries as they can be toxic; always use dried. If using agave or maple syrup instead of honey, the shelf life will be shorter (use within 1 month). Strain twice for a clearer, glossier syrup. Cool completely before bottling to prevent condensation and mold. Can be frozen in ice cube trays for long-term storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 1
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: elderberry syrup, homemade syrup, immune booster, holiday gift, raw honey, cinnamon syrup, vegan syrup, natural remedy, cozy winter recipe