Elderberry Syrup

SUNDAY SWAP!

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

I’ve made my own elderberry syrup for years. The store-bought kind has sugar, preservatives, and thickeners, so don’t be alarmed when you make this and it comes out watery…it’s supposed to! With the fall and winter months approaching, this is a staple at my house!

Note: I take one spoonful a day. This is by no means me pretending to be a doctor. If you have questions about how you should take it specifically, I recommend consulting your doctor.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup organic dried elderberries (from Amazon)

4 cup water

1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp cinnamon

2 cinnamon sticks

1/2 cup local honey (I use @naturenates)

HOW TO MAKE

-In a large saucepan, bring elderberries, water, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and cinnamon sticks to a boil.

-Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Liquid should reduce by about half.

-Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

-Strain the the elderberry juice into a large bowl using a mesh sieve.

-Press all of the liquid out of the elderberries using a potato masher, back of a spoon, or spatula.

-Discard everything but the juice.

-Once juice has cooled completely, add in honey and whisk until combined.

-Store in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can freeze any extra, just thaw overnight to use.