Make your pancakes or waffles even healthier. Boost your immune system by making elderberry syrup! With just a few ingredients, this natural remedy may help prevent colds, coughs, and the flu. It's perfect for beginners who need a simple, homemade syrup during the cold season.
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- organic dried elderberries
- water
- fresh ginger
- cinnamon
- raw honey
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cook the Elderberries
In a slow cooker (or pot to simmer over medium heat), add the dried elderberries, cups of water, fresh ginger, and cinnamon.
Cover the sauce pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 8 hours (or boil and reduce heat on the stovetop if short on total time).
Strain the Syrup
Carefully strain the cooked mixture of the elderberry juice through a fine strainer into a medium bowl, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
Discard the remaining solids or pulp, or use it for a different recipe.
Add the Honey
Allow the liquid to cool until it is only slightly warm.
Stir in several tablespoons of raw honey to sweeten your homemade elderberry syrup recipe, mixing until completely combined
Let it cool and store in a glass jar.
Substitutions & Variations
Substitutions
- Sweeteners: If you don't have raw honey on hand, swap it for pure maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based alternative.
- Elderberries: You can substitute fresh elderberries for dried ones—simply double the amount called for in the recipe.
Variations
- Citrus Boost: Add a strip of fresh orange peel or lemon zest while simmering for a bright, fruity flavor.
- Warm Spices: Stir in a pinch of nutmeg, whole cloves, or a dash of vanilla extract to create a cozier spice profile.
Storage Tips
- Store in tightly sealed glass or mason jars in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
- Thaw only what you need, and keep the remaining syrup frozen.
FAQs
Elderberry Pancake Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup organic dried elderberries
- 2 ¼ cups filtered water
- 4 slices fresh ginger peeled and sliced into ⅛ inch thick
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup raw honey
Instructions
Cook the Elderberries
- Add the dried elderberries, filtered water, fresh ginger, and cinnamon to a slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Strain the Syrup
- Carefully strain the cooked mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium bowl.
- Discard the strained elderberries, ginger, and other solids.
Add the Honey
- Allow the strained liquid to cool until it is only slightly warm.
- Add the raw honey and stir until completely combined.
Store
- Pour the finished elderberry syrup into a clean glass jar.
- Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.
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Jane says
Thank you for sharing! Quick question, what type of honey is everyone using, clover honey? Was thinking about using buckwheat but it has such a different taste. Thank you!
Sally dick says
Rail of honey and c
Brandy
per c syrup