Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Use your homegrown elderberries in this simple recipe to reduce the duration of your cold or flu symptoms.*

We grow our own food for more than just the satisfaction of a lovely garden. It’s rewarding to have a hand in growing what you eat... especially when it contributes to the health and wellness of your family. 

All in the name of wellness, elderberry products are springing up on the shelves of both health food stores and pharmacies alike.  

But the price tag for good elderberry products is shocking! Especially when you can get those same benefits by growing these delicious berries at home. A sustainably sourced elderberry product can cost 42.99 a bottle… and you could grow an elderberry plant collection and make it yourself!  

If you’re in growing zones 4-8, this is a must have plant for your garden. This collection in particular has 118 five star reviews on our site plus an entire growing guide to learn how to grow it well. 

The annual yield from a flowering pair will be 24-30 pounds of berries. You’ll have more than enough elderberries frozen on hand for the entire family all year round.

Elderberry plant

Important note: Stems, bark, and uncooked elderberry seeds contain potentially harmful toxins. When collecting berries, discard all bark, leaves and stems. Always bring berries to a boil during the cooking process before human consumption!

If you’re interested in the research that has been done regarding the health benefits of elderberries, we recommend reading healthline.com’s detailed analysis of all existing studies.

We researched the best methods for how to enjoy the benefits of elderberry at home, and while there are options for canning and using the instant pot, stove top was the simplest and most commonly recommended process we came across for elderberry syrup. When mixed with honey, it is a sweet syrup that kids will happily consume. Some even add it to pancakes!

Ingredients:

  1. 2/3 cup of dried elderberries – carried by most health food stores or can be ordered online – but best if you grow yourself!
  2. 3 ½ cups of water
  3. 1 tsp cinnamon
  4. 1 tsp cloves
  5. 1 cup of raw honey

Directions:

  1. Bring water and berries to a boil for 2 minutes
  2. Cover and reduce to simmer
  3. Add cloves & cinnamon
  4. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour (waiting for syrup to reduce by half)
  5. Use potato masher or spoon to crush berries & release their juices about halfway through
  6. Strain juice through a fine sieve, capturing and discarding all solids.
  7. Let cool completely
  8. Add in honey
  9. Portion out only what you will use in 2-3 weeks, store in airtight container in refrigerator
  10. Freeze remaining syrup (whatever you can’t use in 2 weeks to 3 weeks) in a cube tray or freezer bag

Yields approx. 16 oz of syrup

Use: We recommend you speak to your healthcare practitioner for how to best integrate elderberry syrup into your routine. It is commonly recommended to use 1 tablespoon for adults and half a tablespoon for children during cold and flu season and increase dosage when experiencing symptoms.

This simple recipe should help reduce some of the misery around your house during cold and flu season, and after reaping the benefits, you’re going to want to grow some elderberries of your own for next year!

*PLEASE NOTE* This blog article is intended to be informative in nature, it is not personal medical advice. It is not written or reviewed by a medical doctor. We recommend that you speak with your doctor or healthcare practitioner.

Grow Your Own Elderberry Plants

Shop All Elderberry Plants ›
Article Categories:

Latest Articles

How To Prune Grapes - Summer Care Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
How To Prune Grapes - Summer Care Summer pruning helps control vigorous growth, improve fruit quality, and keep your grapevines healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
How to Make Redbud Jelly Redbud jellyRedbud jellyRedbud jellyRedbud jelly
How to Make Redbud Jelly Learn how to make redbud jelly from edible redbud tree blossoms with this easy small-batch recipe.
Winter Preparation for Fig Trees: Cutting Back and Mulching Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
Winter Preparation for Fig Trees: Cutting Back and Mulching Fig trees are beloved for their sweet fruit, but they can be sensitive to freezing temperatures, especially in colder climates. Proper winter preparation ensures the tree survives the harsh weather and grows back vigorously in the spring. One effective method involves cutting back the branches and insulating the tree base with mulch. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Indoor Gardening with Purpose: Fresh Ingredients Year-Round Planting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoorsPlanting in pots indoors
Indoor Gardening with Purpose: Fresh Ingredients Year-Round Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the vibrant greenery of your very own indoor garden. With aromatic herbs, fresh ingredients, and even small fruiting plants, indoor gardening can turn any space into a productive and inviting haven. Whether you’re looking to save on grocery costs, enjoy a steady supply of organic produce, or simply find joy in gardening throughout the year, growing indoors is a rewarding way to make the most of your space.
House Plants: Benefits, Top Picks, and Care Tips Article imageArticle imageArticle imageArticle image
House Plants: Benefits, Top Picks, and Care Tips House plants aren’t just for looks—they’re living companions that enhance our homes! Whether you're a plant mom or plant dad who wants to bring nature inside, house plants offer health benefits, create calming atmospheres, and add charm to every room. Let’s dive into the many ways house plants can enhance your well-being and explore the best plant options for your lighting conditions.
The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence Rooted in ServiceRooted in ServiceRooted in ServiceRooted in Service
The Stark Bro's Story of Leadership in Gardening Excellence At Stark Bro’s, we’re proud to be veteran-owned and veteran-operated, bringing the values of service and dedication directly into the heart of gardening. With over 200 years of history, we know that the strongest roots grow from a commitment to quality, integrity, and community. Our leadership upholds these principles, guiding every plant we nurture and every customer we serve. Here, we don’t just grow fruit trees; we grow relationships and legacy.
Preparing Your Garden for a Successful Fall and Winter Harvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of applesHarvest basket full of apples
Preparing Your Garden for a Successful Fall and Winter As summer comes to an end, it’s time to give your fruit trees and berry plants the care they need to thrive through the colder months. Proper fall maintenance not only protects your plants from winter damage but also lays the foundation for healthy growth come spring. Here’s your fall checklist to help ensure a smooth transition into the next season.
How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bedPreparing a garlic bed
How to Prep a Garlic Bed for Planting Preparing a garlic bed properly is essential for growing healthy, productive garlic plants. Garlic is usually planted in the fall, as it needs a cold period to establish strong roots before spring growth. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your garlic bed for planting.
How to Care for Citrus Trees in Containers & Successfully Grow Citrus Indoors citrus treescitrus treescitrus treescitrus trees
How to Care for Citrus Trees in Containers & Successfully Grow Citrus Indoors Imagine filling your home with the vibrant scent of citrus blossoms, while enjoying fresh fruit all year long—even if you live outside the ideal growing zones for citrus! Growing citrus in containers makes this possible, allowing you to bring the beauty and flavor of citrus into any climate. With optimal care, citrus trees can bloom and bear fruit multiple times a year, adding both color, fragrance and flavor to your living space.
When Grapes Are Ready to Harvest: A Guide to Determining Ripeness When are Grapes RipeWhen are Grapes RipeWhen are Grapes RipeWhen are Grapes Ripe
When Grapes Are Ready to Harvest: A Guide to Determining Ripeness Harvesting grapes at the right time is crucial for achieving optimal flavor, sugar content, and overall quality. Grapes can be used for fresh eating, winemaking, or cooking, and each purpose may have slightly different ripeness criteria. Here’s a comprehensive guide on when grapes are ready to be harvested.
Subscribe to Stark Bro's e-newsletters
Get to know your zone! Try the new Stark Bro's Hardiness Zone Finder