DIY Elderberry Syrup Recipe
If there’s one herbal recipe that gets talked about every cold season, it’s elderberry syrup, and for good reason. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and one of the most beloved traditional remedies for supporting the immune system through the colder months!
I make a batch every fall as soon as the air shifts, and again anytime I hear the first sniffle. It’s one of those simple, seasonal rituals that makes me feel a little more prepared and a lot more grounded.
And the best part? You can make it yourself with just a handful of ingredients! Here is my simple DIY elderberry syrup recipe I use every time we are sick.
Benefits of Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup isn’t just a sweet treat, it’s a powerhouse herbal remedy packed with cold-season support. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly herbal recipes to make, but still deeply effective.
When you simmer elderberries with immune-supporting spices like ginger, cloves and cinnamon, and finish it with raw honey, you create a blend that’s:
- Traditionally used to help the body respond to colds and flu
- Rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation
- Helpful for easing sore throats, congestion, and general cold symptoms
- A natural way to support your immune system before or during illness
Plus, adding honey gives it antimicrobial and soothing properties (and makes it easier for kids to love!).
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Elderberry Syrup Recipe
This makes about 1½-2 cups:
Ingredients
- ½ cup dried organic elderberries
- 2 cups cold water
- 1½ teaspoons dried organic ginger root
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon chips (or 1 cinnamon stick)
- ½ cup raw honey
- 1 tablespoon cloves
How To Make Elderberry Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and water.
Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow it to steep for 1 hour to deepen the infusion.
Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer. Press the berries to get every last drop!
Once the liquid has cooled to just above room temperature, stir in the raw honey.
Pour into a clean glass jar and refrigerate.
Notes
- This has a 3-4 weeks in the fridge with regular honey or up to 2 months if you double the honey (honey is a natural preservative).
- Only give to children over age 1 (because of the raw honey).
- Herbs tend to settle, just give it a gentle shake before each spoonful!
- Dosage: 1 teaspoon daily for kids, 1 tablespoon daily for adults during wellness season; more frequent if symptoms appear.
I like to pour mine into amber bottles with pour spouts to make it easy to use. You can even freeze some in ice cube trays if you’re not going to use it all at once. This helps me to preserve it when I make a big batch.
Elderberry Syrup
A traditional herbal syrup made with elderberries, warming spices, and raw honey. Supports immune health with a rich, comforting flavor during cold and flu season.
Materials
- ½ cup dried organic elderberries
- 2 cups cold water
- 1½ teaspoons dried organic ginger root
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon chips (or 1 cinnamon stick)
- ½ cup raw honey
- 1 tablespoon cloves
Tools
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spoon
- Strainer or cheesecloth
- Heat-safe bowl
- Glass jar or amber bottle with lid
- Funnel (optional)
- Label & marker (recommended)
Instructions
- Add the elderberries, ginger root, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cold water to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and allow the herbs to gently simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 1 hour to deepen the infusion.
- Strain the berries and herbs. Carefully squeeze out all liquid.
- Once the liquid has cooled to just above room temperature, stir in the honey.
- Pour into a clean glass jar and refrigerate.
Notes
- This has a 3-4 weeks in the fridge with regular honey or up to 2 months if you double the honey (honey is a natural preservative).
- Only give to children over age 1 (because of the raw honey).
- Herbs tend to settle, just give it a gentle shake before each spoonful!
- Dosage: 1 teaspoon daily for kids, 1 tablespoon daily for adults during wellness season; more frequent if symptoms appear.
Final Thoughts
Elderberry syrup is a beautiful reminder that herbal care doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few pantry herbs, you can make something that truly supports your family’s wellness, and gives you that quiet, confident feeling of “I’ve got this.”
Keep it simple. Keep it natural. You’re doing great! Let me know if you make it and love it!
If you want to make more natural wellness remedies for the cold season, check out my Winter Herbal Guide.
