Elderberry syrup is a great way to add natural immune support to your diet. It can be used as a condiment, in recipes or as a get well gift for friends or family members. A few simple ingredients and a little time will produce a tasty syrup that will be sure to be a hit!

Making your own elderberry syrup is an easy, inexpensive and healthy alternative to store bought products. You can customize your recipe with the addition of herbs, spices or other ingredients that suit your taste and your budget. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory flavor, you can create your own syrup that’s ready to serve whenever you want.

In addition to the traditional herbs found in elderberry syrup, there are several other ingredients you can include to enhance its medicinal benefits. For example, you can mix in a pinch of ground cloves to increase the bioavailability of the elderberry’s antioxidant properties. Cloves have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe upset stomachs and boost your immune system. Adding lemon zest is a nice way to boost the vitamin C content of the recipe.

Depending on the recipe, you can use fresh or dried elderberries. If using dried berries, you’ll need to simmer the berries for 20 to 60 minutes. Then, you’ll need to strain the juice to remove any solids. After removing the berries, discard the stems and any unripe fruit.

Elderberry syrup can be a tasty treat on its own, or you can blend it with other ingredients like seltzer water or sparkling wine for an alcoholic drink. Besides being a great culinary option, you can also store your elderberry syrup in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. This will ensure that it’s fresh for up to three months.

Another option is to combine elderberries with honey. Raw honey contains antioxidants and has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. However, be careful with raw honey as it should not be heated over 110 deg F. Since it’s a powerful medicinal ingredient, you might consider adding a cinnamon stick to the recipe to bring out the best in the elderberry’s benefits.

You can also add in dried rose hips. Rose hips are a good source of vitamin C, which is important to keep your body functioning properly. Similarly, you can add in ginger to add an anti-inflammatory boost to your diet. Ginger is known for its ability to relieve nausea, and it can also have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.

Finally, you can store your elderberry syrup in an airtight glass jar for up to three months. Alternatively, you can freeze your homemade syrup in small containers, which will ensure that it is fresh for up to a week. Just make sure that you don’t cover the liquid when cooking.

Overall, making your own elderberry syrup is an easy, quick and inexpensive way to give your family a healthy dose of immune boosting antioxidants. You can even package the product in pretty jars and gift it to family and friends.