How to Make Elderberry Syrup at Home (3 Simple Recipes + Storage Tips)

Elderberry syrup is a popular natural remedy, especially during cold and flu season.

Many people make it at home to save money and have control over what goes into it. With just a few basic herbs and spices, you can make a fresh, affordable batch that works for you.

In this article, we’ll share three different elderberry syrup recipes (from a quick, simple one to ones you can customize, including a vegan and baby-friendly version).

We’ll also cover how to store it, how long it lasts, when and how to take it, and some important safety tips.

Whether you’re new to elderberry or want a reliable way to make your own syrup, you’ll find all the info you need here.

And if you're curious about all the amazing benefits of elderberry, be sure to check that out too!

Why Elderberry Syrup Is Popular for Health and Wellness

Elderberry syrup is a go-to remedy for many people looking for a natural way to support their health. It's made from black elderberries (Sambucus nigra), which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

These nutrients help keep your body strong and ready to fight off illness when you're exposed to it.

Why People Make It at Home

One of the main reasons people choose to make elderberry syrup at home is to avoid the added stuff in store-bought versions.

Many commercial syrups have preservatives, thickeners, or refined sugars. When you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it.

All you need are simple ingredients like dried elderberries, a few spices, and a natural sweetener.

Another reason homemade syrup is so popular is the flexibility it offers. You can change the flavor, swap out ingredients, or make it just how you need it.

If you’re vegan or making it for a baby under one year old, you can use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

If you want it to last longer, you can add extra sweetener or even a little alcohol like brandy or vodka.

Important Safety Tips

Even though elderberry syrup is natural, there are a few things to be careful about. Never eat raw elderberries, stems, or leaves (they contain toxins that can make you sick!).

Cooking removes the harmful compounds, so it’s important not to skip that part. If you’re diabetic or take insulin, it’s also smart to talk to your doctor first.

Elderberries have been shown in animal studies to affect blood sugar levels, and that could be a concern if you're managing diabetes.

Making your own syrup also gives you a sense of control. You’re making something useful with ingredients you trust, and that can be just as rewarding as the health benefits themselves.

Tools and Ingredients You’ll Need Before You Start

Getting set up before you start cooking makes everything go more smoothly. You don’t need any special equipment, but using the right tools and clean containers will help your syrup turn out well and stay safe to use.

Basic Kitchen Tools

Here are the basic tools you’ll want to have ready:

• A medium or large pot for simmering
• A fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• A large spoon for pressing the berries
• A whisk for mixing in the sweetener
• A clean glass jar with a tight lid (sterilized if possible)
• A funnel (optional, but helpful for pouring into jars)

3 Elderberry Syrup Recipes You Can Make at Home

There’s no one right way to make elderberry syrup. Some recipes are quick and easy, while others let you tweak the ingredients depending on who will be using it and how long you want it to last.

These three recipes give you different options, whether you’re making your first batch or adjusting it for a baby, a vegan diet, or longer storage.

Recipe 1: A Simple Elderberry Syrup

This is a basic recipe that’s easy to follow, even if you’ve never made syrup before. It uses common pantry items and doesn’t take much time to prepare.

What You’ll Need

• ½ cup dried black elderberries
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves or a few whole cloves
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced thin
• ½ cup raw or local honey

How to Make It

1. Start by placing the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger into a medium-sized pot. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. This helps pull out the nutrients and flavors from the berries and spices.
   
2. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat so the mixture simmers gently. Let it simmer uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes. During this time, some of the water will evaporate, and the liquid will become more concentrated. You’ll know it’s ready when the amount of liquid in the pot is roughly half of what you started with.
   
3. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle. Place a fine mesh strainer over a clean bowl or wide-mouth jar. Slowly pour the mixture through the strainer to catch the berries and spices. Use the back of a spoon to press down on the berries. This helps squeeze out every last bit of juice.
   
4. Let the liquid cool to room temperature before adding the honey. If it’s too hot, it can damage some of the natural benefits of the raw honey. Once cooled, pour in the honey and use a whisk or spoon to stir until it’s fully mixed in.
   
5. Pour the finished syrup into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store it in the fridge, and it should last up to 4 weeks. Use a clean spoon every time to help keep it fresh.

Recipe 2: Immune Support Syrup with Vegan and Infant-Friendly Options

This version is ideal if you want to use only organic ingredients or need to avoid honey. It includes optional alcohol to help the syrup last longer.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups dried organic elderberries
• 4 cups cold filtered or spring water
• 2 to 3 teaspoons dried ginger root
• 1 organic cinnamon stick
• 1 cup raw local honey, or maple syrup/agave for vegan or infant-friendly version
• 1 cup vodka or brandy (optional)

How to Make It

1. Place the elderberries, water, ginger, and cinnamon stick into a large pot. Use cold water to start, as this helps the herbs release their benefits slowly as the heat builds. Turn the burner to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
   
2. Once it’s boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 30 to 40 minutes. This gives the herbs time to cook down and release their natural compounds into the liquid. You can stir it a few times during simmering to keep everything moving evenly.
   
3. After the cooking time, turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for about one hour. This steeping time helps strengthen the syrup without cooking it further.
   
4. When it’s cool enough to handle, strain the syrup through a cheesecloth or clean cotton cloth placed over a funnel or large bowl. Gently twist and squeeze the cloth to get all the juice out. Discard the used herbs or compost them.
   
5. Let the syrup cool down to just above room temperature before adding your sweetener. Stir in the honey, maple syrup, or agave until it’s fully dissolved. If you’re using alcohol to help preserve it, add it now and mix well.
   
6. Pour the syrup into sterilized glass jars, seal them tightly, and keep them in the fridge. With added alcohol or a higher sweetener ratio, this version can last longer than the simpler recipes (sometimes up to two months or more).

Recipe 3: Strong Elderberry Syrup with Essential Oil Options

This recipe is great if you want a stronger syrup or are making a larger batch to store for a longer time. It also gives you the option to use essential oils, which can be quicker than working with fresh or dried herbs.

What You’ll Need

• ¾ cup dried elderberries
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon dried cloves or 4 whole cloves, or 1 drop clove essential oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon dried ginger, or 1 drop ginger essential oil
• 1 cup raw honey

How to Make It

1. Combine the elderberries, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a pot. Set the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This helps start the extraction process.
   
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer slowly for about 40 to 45 minutes. Keep the lid off so the water can evaporate and the liquid becomes thicker and more concentrated. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
   
3. When the syrup has reduced by about half, turn off the heat and allow it to cool down a bit. Strain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer or cloth into a clean bowl, pressing on the berries to get as much liquid as possible.
   
4. After the syrup has cooled to room temperature, add the honey and mix thoroughly. If you’re using essential oils instead of dried or fresh spices, add just one drop of each—no more. Essential oils are very strong, and a small amount is plenty.
   
5. Once everything is mixed well, pour the syrup into a clean jar, seal it, and store it in the fridge. This version tends to last longer—up to two months—especially if your fridge is cold and you always use clean utensils.

Storage Tips and Shelf Life Explained

Once your syrup is made, how you store it will have a big impact on how long it stays fresh and safe to use. Because homemade elderberry syrup doesn’t contain preservatives like commercial versions, proper storage is essential.

Use the Right Containers

Glass jars with tight-fitting lids are the best option. They don’t hold onto smells, they’re easy to clean, and they help protect the syrup from outside contamination.

Before filling your jar, make sure it’s clean. You can wash it with hot soapy water and rinse well, or for better safety, sterilize it by boiling the jar in water for 10 minutes. Let it cool and dry before adding the syrup.

Keep It Cold

Homemade elderberry syrup should always be stored in the fridge. A cooler temperature helps slow down the growth of bacteria and mold.

A basic syrup made with a small amount of sweetener will stay fresh for around 3 to 4 weeks. If you use more sweetener (especially raw honey) it will last longer, often up to 2 months.

Honey naturally helps preserve the syrup, which is why many recipes recommend it.

Extend Shelf Life with Alcohol

If you're making a big batch or want the syrup to last even longer, you can add alcohol like vodka or brandy.

A small amount won’t affect the taste much, but it will help stop the syrup from spoiling too soon.

This is a good option if you’re only using the syrup occasionally or want to store it for several months. Always label jars that contain alcohol so there’s no confusion, especially if children are in the home.

Keep it Clean and Watch for Signs of Spoilage

Each time you use the syrup, make sure to use a clean spoon. Avoid dipping the same spoon in twice, and never drink directly from the jar.

This keeps bacteria out and helps prevent early spoilage. If the syrup changes in color, smells sour, or you see mold or cloudy spots, throw it out.

It's always better to make a fresh batch than risk using one that has gone bad.

Dosage Guidelines and When to Take It

Elderberry syrup is most helpful when it’s taken correctly.

Even though it’s made from natural ingredients, it still has powerful effects, and understanding the right amount to take helps you get the benefits without overdoing it.

Daily Use for Prevention

When you’re using elderberry syrup to stay healthy during cold and flu season, the typical dose for adults is one tablespoon per day.

For children, it’s one teaspoon per day. This routine is common in the fall and winter months or any time you’re more likely to be exposed to viruses.

When You’re Sick or Exposed to Illness

If you start to feel unwell or have been around others who are sick, you can take elderberry syrup more often for a few days.

Adults can take one tablespoon up to four times a day, while children can take one teaspoon up to four times a day. Spread the doses throughout the day so your body has steady support.

Take Breaks Between Regular Use

Even though elderberry syrup is safe for short-term use, it's not something most people take every day all year long.

A common approach is to take it for two or three weeks, then take a one-week break. This gives your body a rest and helps avoid building a tolerance over time.

When to Use Caution

There are a few cases where you should be more careful. If you have diabetes or are taking insulin, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor first.

Elderberry has been shown in lab studies to affect blood sugar levels, so you’ll want to make sure it won’t interfere with your treatment.

Also, never give honey-based syrup to babies under one year old. Honey can carry a risk of infantile botulism, which is serious.

If you’re making syrup for a baby, use maple syrup or agave instead, and always check with your pediatrician before giving it to a child that young.

Make Your Own Elderberry Syrup Now!

Making your own elderberry syrup is a useful skill that gives you more control over what you’re putting into your body.

Whether you’re looking for immune support, trying to avoid unnecessary additives, or just want something natural on hand during cold and flu season, these recipes offer a good starting point.

You Can Adjust the Recipes to Fit Your Needs

One of the best things about elderberry syrup is how easy it is to customize.

You can choose to keep it simple with basic spices and honey, or you can adjust it to make it safe for babies or more shelf-stable with the addition of alcohol.

You don’t need special equipment, and the ingredients are easy to find. Once you’ve made it once or twice, it becomes second nature.

Homemade Syrup Is More Affordable and Flexible

Store-bought elderberry syrup is often expensive, and many brands include preservatives, flavorings, or thickeners.

Making it at home not only saves money over time, but also lets you avoid those extras.

You can make small or large batches depending on how much you need and change up the flavor or strength to suit your family.

A Little Planning Makes It Last Longer

If you take the time to store it properly and use clean tools each time, your syrup can last for several weeks or even months.

Keeping it cold, using enough sweetener, and possibly adding a bit of alcohol are simple ways to make sure it doesn’t go to waste.

Whether you use it year-round or just during flu season, elderberry syrup is something you can feel good about making and using.

It’s a simple way to support your health and have more control over your remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about elderberry? We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common ones to help you use this natural remedy safely and effectively. 

Can I use fresh elderberries instead of dried ones?

Yes, but you’ll need to use more of them. Dried elderberries are more concentrated, so if you're using fresh berries, plan to use about double the amount. Also, make sure the berries are fully ripe and always cook them thoroughly—never use raw elderberries.

Is it safe to give elderberry syrup to babies or toddlers?

It depends on the sweetener. If your syrup contains honey, it should not be given to babies under one year old due to the risk of infantile botulism. For younger children, you can use maple syrup or agave instead. Always check with your child’s doctor before introducing herbal remedies.

How do I know if my elderberry syrup has gone bad?

Spoiled syrup may have mold on the surface, an off smell, or a cloudy appearance. If it smells sour or looks different than when you first made it, it’s safest to throw it out. Using a clean spoon each time helps prevent spoilage.

What’s the best way to sterilize jars before storing the syrup?

You can sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through the dishwasher on the hottest cycle without soap. Let the jars dry completely before filling them with syrup.

Can I freeze elderberry syrup to make it last longer?

Yes, you can freeze it in small glass jars or silicone ice cube trays. Just leave some space at the top of the container because the liquid will expand as it freezes. Thaw in the fridge before using.