Elderberry Syrup

Elderberry Syrup is one of my favorite things to create in the fall months. Full of Vitamin C to help boost your immune system during the cold + flu season. Just a tsp a day helps boost your system and I like to take a tsp several times a day if I’m feeling a little down or feel some symptoms starting to occur.

The base receipe is pretty simple, and I like to add a few extra ingredients depending on what I have available in the apothecary.

1 Cup Dried Elderberries

2 or 3 Cinammon Sticks

About 6 slices of Fresh Ginger or a Tablespoon of Dried Ginger

4 or 5 Whole Cloves

2 Leaves of Sage

A few slices of Dried or Fresh Orange

A Heavy pinch of Rose Hips (totally up to you how much to use!)

4 Cups of Water

1 Cup of Local Honey

*In a saucepan bring all ingredients to a boil (except the honey) and then simmer for at least 30min (more if time allows). Strain liquid and allow to cool before mixing in honey. Bottle + Enjoy!

This season I added in a pinch of chamomile to my pot to help calm my nervous system. Try adding lavender, tulsi, or any other supportive herb you enjoy. It’s really up to you and your taste preferences as to what you add to your reciepe. The ratios to use as a base would be the elderberries, water, + honey. The rest is up to you and your taste buds.

I planted 2 Elderberry plants this past spring on our property and am working on rooting several new plants. I hope to get several more plants established along our creek next year and be able to grow my own to use. The Elderberry plant is native to Virginia and I love to use the flowers in several of my skincare products and I’d like to try making Elderberry Wine or Champagne next year!

I bottled this syrup in a fancy Rose wine bottle I have been saving. A mason jar or glass dressing jar does the trick too! You can take the syrup straight or add to your favorite bubbly drink for extra flavor.

I’ve been incorporating my syrup lately in my morning otamilk latte and it is delish!