Learn how to make this easy elderberry syrup recipe with dried elderberries, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and raw honey.

Looking for an easy elderberry syrup recipe you can make right in your own kitchen? This homemade elderberry syrup is made with dried elderberries, fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and raw honey. It has a naturally sweet and spiced flavor and is a wonderful homemade pantry staple to have on hand during the colder months.

Making your own elderberry syrup recipe at home is surprisingly simple. With just a handful of ingredients and a little simmering time, you can make a flavorful syrup without the long ingredient list found in many store-bought versions.

I especially love this elderberry syrup recipe because the combination of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric gives it such a warm, comforting flavor, while raw honey adds just the right amount of sweetness.

Important note: This recipe is a traditional homemade food preparation and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease. Raw or improperly prepared elderberries should not be consumed. Elderberries should be properly cooked before consuming.

Why You’ll Love This Elderberry Syrup Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this elderberry syrup recipe at home!

Easy to make: Most of the cooking time is hands-off.
Simple ingredients: You only need six main ingredients.
Naturally sweetened: Raw honey adds sweetness without refined sugar.
Full of warming spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric create a delicious flavor.
Made from scratch: You know exactly what goes into your syrup.
Easy to customize: You can adjust the spices and sweetness to your liking.
Great homemade pantry staple: Keep a jar refrigerated and ready to enjoy.

What Is Elderberry Syrup?

Elderberry syrup is a traditional preparation made by simmering elderberries with water and various herbs and spices. The mixture is then strained and sweetened, commonly with honey.

This elderberry syrup recipe uses dried elderberries along with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric. Raw honey is added after the mixture has cooled somewhat.

Elderberries have a long history of traditional use, but traditional use should not be confused with scientifically established medical treatment. Think of this recipe as a homemade food preparation rather than a replacement for medical care.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Dried Elderberries

Dried elderberries are the main ingredient in this elderberry syrup recipe. Be sure to purchase dried elderberries from a reputable source and use elderberries specifically intended for culinary or herbal preparation.

Fresh Ginger

I prefer using freshly grated ginger because it adds a bright, spicy flavor to the syrup.

If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dried ginger.

Cinnamon

Dried cinnamon adds warmth and a naturally sweet, aromatic flavor.

Cloves

Cloves add a rich, slightly spicy flavor. A little goes a long way!

Turmeric

Turmeric adds earthy flavor and a beautiful golden color to this homemade syrup.

Raw Honey

Raw honey provides sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the elderberries and the warmth of the spices.

For this elderberry syrup recipe, add the honey after cooking rather than boiling it with the elderberries.

How to Make This Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Add 3 cups of water, ⅔ cup dried elderberries, grated ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric to a medium saucepan.

If you’re using dried ginger instead of fresh, add 2 teaspoons dried ginger.

Step 2: Bring to a Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

Once it begins boiling, reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently.

Step 3: Simmer and Reduce

Let the mixture simmer until the liquid has reduced and the flavors have had time to infuse into the water.

This is where all those wonderful spices come together!

Avoid aggressively boiling the mixture. A gentle simmer is all you need.

Step 4: Strain

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth if desired.

Press gently on the berries to release the remaining liquid.

Discard the cooked berry and spice solids.

Step 5: Cool

Allow the strained elderberry mixture to cool until it is warm rather than very hot.

Step 6: Add the Honey

Once the mixture has cooled somewhat, stir in 1 cup of raw honey.

Mix well until the honey is completely incorporated.

Step 7: Store

Transfer your finished elderberry syrup recipe to a clean glass jar or bottle.

Cover tightly and refrigerate.

Tips for Making the Best Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Use Quality Dried Elderberries

Since elderberries are the main ingredient, choose dried elderberries from a reputable source.

Fresh Ginger Gives the Best Flavor

Freshly grated ginger gives this elderberry syrup recipe a brighter, more noticeable ginger flavor.

However, dried ginger works perfectly when fresh isn’t available.

Don’t Add the Honey While the Mixture Is Boiling

Allow the strained liquid to cool before adding the raw honey.

This helps preserve the characteristics of the raw honey and prevents you from unnecessarily heating it.

Use a Fine-Mesh Strainer

Elderberries can leave behind small pieces and seeds, so I recommend using a fine-mesh strainer. You can also line the strainer with cheesecloth for an even smoother syrup.

Label Your Jar

Since this is a homemade preparation without commercial preservatives, label your jar with the date you made it and keep it refrigerated.

Fresh Ginger vs. Dried Ginger

You have two options for the ginger in this elderberry syrup recipe.

For the strongest fresh flavor, use:

1½ tablespoons freshly grated ginger

Or substitute:

2 teaspoons dried ginger

Both options work well, so use whichever you have available.

Can I Adjust the Spices?

Absolutely!

One of my favorite things about making this elderberry syrup recipe at home is being able to adjust the flavor.

If you love ginger, add a little more fresh ginger.

Want a stronger cinnamon flavor? Increase the cinnamon slightly.

Prefer a milder clove flavor? Reduce the cloves.

Just remember that cloves have a strong flavor, so small adjustments can make a big difference.

How to Store Elderberry Syrup

Once you’ve finished making this elderberry syrup recipe, transfer it to a clean, airtight glass jar and refrigerate.

Because this is a homemade syrup without commercial preservatives, refrigeration is important.

Always inspect homemade preparations before consuming them. If you notice an unusual smell, mold, fermentation, or other signs of spoilage, discard the syrup.

For longer-term storage, the syrup can also be frozen in small portions and thawed in the refrigerator as needed.

Can You Freeze This Elderberry Syrup Recipe?

Yes! Freezing is a great option if you don’t think you’ll use your entire batch within a reasonable refrigerated storage period.

Allow the syrup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion.

You can also freeze it in small portions so you only thaw what you need.

How to Use Homemade Elderberry Syrup

There are several ways you can enjoy this elderberry syrup recipe.

Try adding it to:

Warm tea
Sparkling water
Smoothies
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Pancakes
Waffles
Homemade mocktails

You can also enjoy the syrup on its own.

This recipe is intended as a flavorful homemade preparation and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe Variations

Lemon Elderberry Syrup

Add a little fresh lemon juice after cooking for a bright citrus flavor.

Orange Elderberry Syrup

Add a strip of orange peel while the elderberries simmer for a subtle citrus flavor.

Extra Ginger Elderberry Syrup

If you’re a ginger lover, increase the amount of fresh ginger for an extra spicy kick.

Cinnamon-Forward Elderberry Syrup

Add an additional cinnamon stick while simmering if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does elderberry syrup taste like?

This elderberry syrup recipe has a fruity, slightly tart flavor from the elderberries with warm notes of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric. The honey balances everything with natural sweetness.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of dried?

Yes! This elderberry syrup recipe calls for 1½ tablespoons freshly grated ginger, but you can substitute 2 teaspoons dried ginger.

When should I add the honey?

Add the raw honey after straining and allowing the elderberry mixture to cool somewhat. This is especially important because you’re using raw honey.

Does elderberry syrup need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Store this elderberry syrup recipe in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze elderberry syrup?

Yes. This elderberry syrup recipe can be frozen in freezer-safe containers or smaller individual portions.

Can I use fresh elderberries?

Fresh elderberries require proper identification and preparation. For this elderberry syrup recipe, I recommend using properly dried elderberries from a reputable source.

Can children have elderberry syrup?

Because this elderberry syrup recipe contains honey, do not give it to children under 12 months of age. For older children, speak with their pediatrician before giving them an elderberry preparation, especially if they take medications or have underlying health conditions.

Can I make this elderberry syrup recipe without honey?

Yes. You can omit the honey or use another sweetener if desired. Keep in mind that changing the sweetener will affect the flavor and consistency.

Is elderberry syrup a medicine?

No. Homemade elderberry syrup is a food preparation and traditional herbal preparation. It should not be considered a medication or a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment.

More Homemade Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy making homemade pantry staples, try some of these recipes from my kitchen:

Final Thoughts

This elderberry syrup recipe has become one of my favorite homemade recipes to prepare when I want something comforting and flavorful to keep in the refrigerator.

I love that this elderberry syrup recipe combines dried elderberries with fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, and raw honey. The result is a deliciously spiced homemade syrup that’s simple to prepare and easy to customize.

If you’ve never made homemade elderberry syrup before, this elderberry syrup recipe is a great place to start. Once you see how easy it is to make, you may never want to buy it premade again!