Description
A potent, immune-boosting elderberry syrup made with raw honey and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. This one-pot recipe is thick, flavorful, and perfect for soothing colds or adding to drinks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries (approx. 120g)
- 2 cups water
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground)
- 5 whole cloves
- Zest of 1 organic orange
- 1/2 cup raw honey
Instructions
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine dried elderberries, water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peel.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the water turns deep purple and berries burst.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture steep with the lid on for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a bowl, discarding the solids.
- Allow the strained liquid to cool until warm to the touch (below 110°F/43°C).
- Stir in the raw honey until completely dissolved.
- Pour the finished syrup into sterilized glass jars and seal tightly.
Notes
Add honey only after the syrup has cooled below 110°F to preserve enzymes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Do not store at room temperature. Fresh elderberries must be fully ripe (dark purple/black) as unripe berries are toxic.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 22
- Sugar: 5.5
- Carbohydrates: 5.5
Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune support, honey syrup, cinnamon syrup, natural remedy, cold season, homemade syrup, antioxidant drink