Elderberry Syrup

Susannah Brinkley Henry

Filled with antioxidants, elderberry syrup is delicious on its own, mixed into cocktails and spooned over ice cream.

Course Simple Syrup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Total Time 50

Servings ounces

Calories 55kcal

Author Susannah Brinkley Henry

Ingredients

¾ cup dried elderberries
3 cups water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 whole cloves
1 star anise
2 pieces orange zest about 3 inches
1 piece ginger root about 3 inches, finely diced
¾ cup honey

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange zest and diced ginger root.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes. The mixture will have reduced by half. Remove from heat.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove the elderberries, spices and citrus peels.
Stir in honey until combined.
Let cool completely. Store in the fridge in an airtight container, like a bottle or jar, for up to 1 month.

Notes

Elderberries: You can find dried elderberries at health food stores, specialty shops and online. You may also use fresh elderberries — use twice as much fresh. (The recipe calls for ¾ cup of dried, so use 1½ cup of fresh berries.) Remember that elderberries have to be cooked — they are not safe to eat on their own.

Spices: If you prefer to make this syrup without the spices, feel free! You can eliminate any ingredient on this list — except the elderberries, water and honey! If you prefer to use ground spices, use the following measurements:

ground ginger: ¾ teaspoon
ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
ground cloves: ¼ teaspoon
ground anise: pinch

Honey substitute: You may make it without honey and substitute real sugar, maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Make it sugar-free by using a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or erythritol. (I have not tried this, so let me know if you do!)

Uses for elderberry syrup: Elderberry syrup can be used in so many ways! It's the perfect time to try making your own syrup with your own elderberries. It can be enjoyed in small doses as a supplement. (Please see disclaimer above in the post with notes about perceived health benefits.) It can also be used to flavor cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks like lemonade or iced tea. See more ideas below. You can also serve it poured over ice cream!

Nutrition

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