Homemade Elderberry Syrup (Easy Immune Support for Cold & Flu Season)

Instead of simmering dried elderberries for hours, I use a fresh juicing method that gives me a vibrant, deeply concentrated elderberry juice. The result? A smooth, potent syrup that feels like real food, not medicine.  If you’re looking for an easy, natural way to support your immune system during cold and flu season, this elderberry syrup recipe is a great place to start.

Why Elderberry Syrup Is So Popular for Immune Support

Elderberries have been used traditionally for generations, especially during fall and winter months. They’re known for being rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins — the compounds that give elderberries their deep purple color.

Many people turn to elderberry syrup as part of their wellness routine because it helps support the body during seasonal challenges and feels gentle yet effective.

For me, it’s not about quick fixes — it’s about giving the body supportive, nourishing ingredients that work in harmony.

Benefits of Elderberries

Elderberries are especially valued because they:

• Are rich in antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress
• Support immune system function during cold months
• Contain natural compounds that have traditionally been used during seasonal wellness routines
• Offer a deep, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with warming spices

Using whole, real elderberries fresh or frozen — and juicing them — allows you to capture their natural essence in a way that feels vibrant and alive.

Why I Juice Elderberries Instead of Boiling Them

I personally prefer juicing elderberries because it’s the easiest way to extract the most juice while keeping the process simple and efficient.

I use my Nama J2 cold-press juicer because it handles berries incredibly well and makes the process almost effortless. After thawing the frozen elderberries, I juice them along with fresh ginger and lemon, then strain the juice so it’s silky smooth before simmering.

This method gives me a rich, concentrated elderberry juice that becomes the base of the syrup.

(I’ll link the juicer I use below for anyone curious.)

Nama J2 Juicer, use code EVA10 to save.

Benefits of Each Ingredient

Ginger
Ginger is warming, soothing, and traditionally used to support digestion and circulation. It adds a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with elderberries.

Lemon
Lemon adds brightness and natural vitamin C, helping balance the deep flavor of elderberries while supporting immune health.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in antioxidants and has warming properties, making it especially comforting during colder months.

Cloves
Cloves are powerful and aromatic, traditionally used to support immunity and add depth to herbal preparations.

Raw Honey
Raw honey helps preserve the syrup naturally and adds soothing properties, especially for the throat. Always add honey once the mixture has cooled to protect its beneficial enzymes.

Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Prep time: 5 min Cooke time: 40 -45 min Makes: 4 cups syrup after mixing

For the Fresh Elderberry Juice

• 5 cups frozen elderberries, thawed 
• 3-inch piece of fresh ginger or more if you like spicy
• 1 whole lemon peeled 
• For Simmering
• 6 whole cloves or more if you want stronger flavor
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

• To Make the Syrup

• 1 cup Raw, unpasteurized honey (liquid only) with 1 cup of elderberry juice (cooled) 

Instructions:

1. Thaw the frozen elderberries completely.
2. Juice the elderberries, ginger, and lemon together using a cold-press juicer.
3. Strain the juice so it’s smooth. You should have about 3 cups of fresh juice.
4. Transfer the juice to a pot and add the cloves and cinnamon.
5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
6. Simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
8. Once cooled, mix 1 cup of elderberry juice with 1 cup of raw liquid honey.
9. Stir well, then transfer to clean glass bottles or jars.
10. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator.

Dosage & Storage

• Adults: 1 tablespoon daily, or morning and night during cold season
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months
• This recipe makes approximately 4 cups perfect for gifting during the holidays or cold and flu season

A Note on Safety

This recipe is shared for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.