Organic homemade elderberry syrup is easier to make than you think!
Elderberries have become quite popular in recent years thanks to their ability to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Because of that I feel the benefits of elderberries are well-known and yet not many people make their own organic homemade elderberry syrup. So, are you making your own syrup?
In this post, I will show you how to make organic homemade elderberry syrup and also break down the costs. You should be making your own syrup because it’s easy and economical. Did you know that organic homemade elderberry syrup costs about a third or less than store-bought?
This recipe makes 32oz batches and I tend to freeze half while storing the other half in the refrigerator. Personally, I haven’t had any issues storing organic homemade elderberry syrup in the refrigerator for a few weeks. Please, make sure to use distilled water and sanitize your bottles. I run them though a sanitizing cycle in the dishwasher.
What Does Elderberry Syrup Taste Like?
Elderberry syrup is sweet with a mild taste similar to that of blackberries. It has a nice cinnamon flavor and the ginger root gives it a nice kick.
While organic homemade elderberry syrup made with honey and seasoned with cinnamon and ginger seems to have health properties that help us fight colds, it is also great on pancakes, waffles, or over biscuits. There are so many resources out there regarding the health benefits of elderberry, so I will spare you the details of that. If you’d like to learn more about elderberry medical properties the University of Maryland Medical Center has great info here.
How much does it cost to make organic homemade elderberry syrup?
The price of store-bought organic elderberry syrup varies depending on the brand. Typically, you should be prepared to spend anywhere from $19.21
Now, let’s see how much organic homemade elderberry syrup costs. To make it, you’ll need following ingredients. All the prices may be different after 8/27/2016.
- Whole Organic Elderberries (1 lb)
– $16.75, makes 3 batches. | $5.58 per 320z batch
- Organic Raw Honey (32oz)
– $19.68, makes 2 bathes | $9.84 per batch
- Organic Cinnamon (2.45 oz)
-$4.25 makes 4 bathes | $0.85 per batch
- Organic Ginger Root (1.64 oz)
– $3.83 makes 6 batches| $0.54 per batch
- Distilled Water (1 gal) – $2 makes 4 bathes| $0.50 per batch
– $16.75, makes 3 batches. | $5.58 per 320z batch 
– $19.68, makes 2 bathes | $9.84 per batch
– $3.83 makes 6 batches| $0.54 per batch Total initial investment: $46.51
Total per 32oz batch: $17.32.
Broken all the way down, one ounce of organic homemade elderberry syrup comes in at $0.54/oz.
- 2 cups dried organic elderberries
- 1 tbsp organic ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp organic ground ginger (or 2 tbsp fresh grated ginger root)
- 4 cups distilled water
- 2 cups raw honey, preferably local
- Place dried elderberries, cinnamon and ginger in a medium size stockpot with a heavy bottom.
- Add water, stir and bring to boil.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer until syrup thickens and reduces to half, about 40 - 45 minutes. Periodically stir and adjust heat to prevent burning.
- Using a cheesecloth or a mesh strainer lined with paper coffee filter over a clean (sterile) bowl, strain the berries and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. If using a mesh strainer, press the berries against the strainer with the back of a large spoon to help drain the liquid. Cover with a clean lid and let cool for 10-15 minutes then stir in the honey while the liquid is still warm. Combine well.
- Store in a large sterile bottle or a mason jar in the refrigerator.
- Use over waffles, pancakes or drink plain as a cold remedy for up to 5 days. (1 tsp/ 5 ml a day).
Do not take or give elderberry or any other supplement to a child without first talking to your doctor.
Do not consume raw, unripe or uncooked elderberries. They may be poisonous.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Elderberries should not be used as substitute for medical treatment. Always check with your medical professional before using any remedies or herbs to treat medical conditions.
Please note that this post contains Amazon affiliate links.
