Homemade Elderberry Syrup

This recipe was a fun one for me to make. It’s my mother’s recipe for Homemade Elderberry Syrup. She makes large batches of this every winter and gives us a few jars for our fridge. I’m not giving any medical advice here, but this is known for its immune boosting properties and is a popular homemade remedy to ward off colds and viruses in the winter months.  My kids like it because it is sweety and fruity, very easy to sip every morning before they go to school. Everyone gets a tablespoon at breakfast, just like Yiayia taught them! 

I’m not sure where my mother learned to make this recipe, but she’s made it hers over the years. It’s basically the same method as making a flavored simple syrup. I love it because it calls for honey instead of sugar for sweetener, and it isn’t too sticky sweet. There are also some subtle flavors and extra benefits from the addition of cloves, ginger, and cinnamon. It honestly is the easiest thing I’ve ever asked my children to take for their health! 

When you’re making this Homemade Elderberry Syrup be sure to be extra thorough with the strainer. Get everything thing out of the pot before you add the honey so there’s nothing left floating in the liquid. Also, press on the berries to make sure you get every last squeeze of juice. Then, stir in the honey until it’s completely incorporated. I love the honey in this because it’s a natural sweetener and can very soothing when someone has a sore throat! 

As I said, I’m not a doctor, but I swear by this with my children and my mother has sworn by it for years. If nothing else, it gives you a little extra boost of vitamins and protection in the cooler months. Plus, it tastes great!  

Homemade Elderberry Syrup  

This is a really great recipe for winter. My mom makes this at home and gives bottles to our family. Once you know how to make this at home you won’t have to buy it at the store again! 

• ¾ cup dried Elderberries  

• 3 cups water  

• 1 cinnamon stick  

• 4 whole cloves  

• 1 tsp dried ginger  

• 1 cup raw honey  

Instructions: 

1. Combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon stick, cloves, and dried ginger in a pot and bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.  

2. Using a fine mesh sieve, scoop out the berries, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Press on everything to make sure you’re able to get all the berry juice into the hot water.  

3. Stir the honey into the hot water and mix until completely dissolved. 

4. Allow the mixture to cool, then funnel it into bottles or glass jars. Store in the refrigetor.  .

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.