HOW TO MAKE ELDERBERRY SYRUP

Can I use dried elderberries to make elderberry syrup?

Yes. Dried elderberries work very well for homemade elderberry syrup and are convenient because they can be stored in your herbal pantry until you’re ready to use them. This recipe uses ½ cup of dried elderberries as an alternative to 1 cup of fresh ripe elderberries.

If you don’t have dried elderberries on hand, you can find them from herbal suppliers such as Starwest Botanicals. (This is a natural place to add your Starwest dried elderberry affiliate link.)

Can I use fresh elderberries instead of dried elderberries?

Yes. You can make elderberry syrup with fresh, fully ripe elderberries. For this recipe, use 1 cup of fresh ripe elderberries in place of ½ cup dried elderberries.

Fresh elderberries should be removed from their stems and properly cooked before use. Avoid consuming raw or unripe elderberries, as well as the leaves, stems, and other parts of the elderberry plant.

Can I make elderberry syrup without honey?

Yes. Honey can be replaced with granulated sugar, maple syrup, agave nectar, or another preferred sweetener. You can also make an unsweetened elderberry preparation, although it will be thinner and more tart than traditional elderberry syrup.

Changing or eliminating the sweetener can affect the consistency and storage life of the finished syrup, so always keep homemade elderberry syrup refrigerated and watch for signs of spoilage.

How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?

There isn’t one guaranteed shelf life for homemade elderberry syrup because recipes, ingredients, preparation methods, and storage conditions can vary. Store your finished syrup in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator and check it regularly for signs of spoilage.

Labeling the container with the preparation date makes it easier to keep track of each batch. If you notice mold, an unusual odor, unexpected bubbling or fermentation, or significant changes in appearance or texture, discard the syrup.

Can you freeze homemade elderberry syrup?

Yes. Freezing is a convenient way to store extra homemade elderberry syrup. One easy method is to pour the syrup into ice cube trays and freeze it in individual portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a labeled freezer-safe container.

You can also freeze larger portions in freezer-safe containers. Leave room for expansion and thaw the amount you need in the refrigerator.

Why shouldn’t I add honey while the elderberry mixture is boiling?

It’s generally easier to add honey after the elderberry mixture has been removed from the heat and has cooled somewhat. This also helps preserve the flavor and characteristics of raw honey.

After cooking and straining your elderberries and herbs, allow the liquid to cool until it is warm rather than boiling hot before stirring in the honey.

Can I add other herbs and spices to elderberry syrup?

Yes. One of the benefits of making elderberry syrup at home is being able to customize the recipe. Depending on your preferences, you might add ingredients such as rose hips, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, or other complementary herbs and spices.

When adding herbs you’re unfamiliar with, research their appropriate use and potential precautions first—particularly if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications, or managing a medical condition.

This is another natural location for contextual Starwest affiliate links to ingredients such as rose hips, cinnamon, cloves, or ginger.

Can children have homemade elderberry syrup?

Because a child’s age, health, medications, and the concentration and ingredients of homemade preparations can vary, talk with your child’s pediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional about whether elderberry syrup is appropriate and how much to use.

Important: Honey should not be given to children younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.

Can I use elderberry syrup while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There isn’t enough high-quality evidence to establish the safety of elderberry supplements or concentrated elderberry preparations during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss elderberry and other herbal preparations with your healthcare professional before using them.

Does elderberry syrup prevent or treat colds and flu?

Elderberry has a long history of traditional use, particularly during the colder months, but homemade elderberry syrup should not be presented as a proven treatment or prevention for colds, influenza, or other illnesses.

Think of homemade elderberry syrup as a traditional herbal preparation rather than a replacement for medical treatment. If you’re sick, have persistent or severe symptoms, or have concerns about your health, seek guidance from an appropriate healthcare professional.