Why make Elderberry Syrup?
If you’re looking to boost your family’s immune system with a delicious and healthful remedy, elderberry syrup is a fantastic option.
Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, elderberry syrup is often used to combat colds and flu, making it a staple in many homes, especially during the chilly months.
Today, I’ll guide you through making your own elderberry syrup using our Popple Tree Creek Farms recipe and process, the same method we use on our farm. You can make it from scratch using our freeze-dried American elderberries, or use our DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit, which includes (almost) everything you need for approximately 24 ounces of syrup.
Read more: What's the best elderberries for DIY syrup?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Based on our farm-tested elderberry syrup method
Uses real American elderberries (no excessive heat needed)
Designed to work perfectly with our DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit
Made with simple, real ingredients
A reliable, repeatable process
How to Make Elderberry Syrup (Popple Tree Creek Farms Method)
Recipe Ingredients
2 oz freeze-dried elderberries
Contents of Popple Tree Creek Farms DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit spice pack:
2 tablespoons dried ginger
8–12 cloves
1–2 sticks Ceylon cinnamon
2 1/4 cups water (omit if using fresh elderberries)
2–4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup honey (or another sweetener of your choice)
Equipment Needed
Large pot
Thermometer (highly recommended)
Fine strainer, tea towel, or jelly bag
Spoon for pressing
Storage containers (jars or bottles)
Preparation
Step 1: Soak the Elderberries
Start by placing freeze-dried elderberries in a pot with 2 1/4 cups of water at 110°F.
Let them soak for about 10 minutes.
This step helps rehydrate the berries, making it easier to extract their goodness.
Step 2: Heat the Mixture
After soaking, gently heat the mixture. Stir often to avoid scorching the berries on the bottom of the pot.
Raise the temperature to 135°F and hold it there for 10 minutes.
This crucial step:
Releases antioxidants
Deactivates any potentially harmful compounds
Do not simmer or boil.These are REAL American elderberries, and they do not require excessive heat like European elderberries.
Step 3: Strain the Juice
Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, strain out the berries.
You can:
Use a fine strainer and press with a spoon
Use a tea towel or jelly bag to wring out every last drop
You should aim for about 2 cups of pressed juice.
If you’re slightly short, you can add water — but keep in mind you’ll be adding lemon juice in the next step.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice
Elderberries are low-acid foods and need to be acidified for storage.
Add 2–4 tablespoons of lemon juice.
This:
Enhances flavor
Extends shelf life
Step 5: Sweeten the Syrup
Stir in 1 cup of honey (or your preferred sweetener).
Adjust to taste if needed.
Keep stirring until fully dissolved to avoid scorching the bottom of the pot.
Step 6: Add Spices
If using the spice pack from your DIY kit:
Dried ginger
Cloves
Ceylon cinnamon
Place them in the provided spice bag and add during the heating process.
This will infuse your syrup with a warm, balanced flavor.
The spice bag can be opened, so feel free to adjust or add additional spices if desired.
Step 7: Heat Again
Raise the temperature to 180°F and hold for 10 minutes.
This step is essential for:
Safety
Shelf stability
Again — do not simmer or boil. American elderberries simply do not require that level of heat.
Step 8: Store Your Syrup
After heating, transfer your syrup into your preferred containers.
Option 1: Inverted Jar Method
Fill jars with appropriate headspace
Seal tightly
Invert and let cool upside down
Option 2: Water Bath Canning
Process for 10 minutes (pint)
Or 20–25 minutes (quart)
Let cool, then refrigerate
Option 3: Refrigeration
Let cool on the counter
Store in the refrigerator
Option 4:
Buy our Popple Tree Creek Farms elderberry syrup and have it delivered right to your door 😉
Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just a basic DIY recipe. It’s a controlled, temperature-based process.
Lower temperatures help preserve flavor
Holding specific temperatures improves extraction
The second heating step ensures safety
This is the same approach we use at Popple Tree Creek Farms, keeping things simple, intentional, and rooted in real ingredients.
Using the Popple Tree Creek Farms DIY Elderberry Syrup Kit
This recipe is designed to work perfectly with our DIY kit.
Instead of sourcing individual spices and measuring everything out, the kit gives you:
Pre-measured elderberries
A balanced spice blend in a spice bag
A streamlined process
You just add water and your preferred sweetener to make a full batch at home.
DIY vs Store-Bought Elderberry Syrup
Making your own syrup is a great option, but it’s not the only one.
DIY gives you:
Full control over ingredients
A hands-on process
Customizable flavor
Store-bought (like ours) gives you:
Convenience
Consistency
Ready-to-use syrup anytime
Our syrups are made in small batches using simple ingredients, designed to feel more like food than a supplement.
Tips for the Best Elderberry Syrup
Use a thermometer for best results
Avoid boiling because it can impact flavor
Press berries thoroughly when straining
Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor
Adjust sweetness to your preference
Is Elderberry Syrup Good for You?
Elderberries are known for their naturally high antioxidant content and are traditionally used for seasonal wellness support.
Many families use elderberry syrup as part of their routine, especially during colder months.
How to Use Elderberry Syrup
Once you have it made, there are a lot of ways to use it:
Take it by the spoonful
Stir into tea
Mix into sparkling water
Add to cocktails or mocktails
It’s one of those things that quickly becomes part of your routine.
Read this full article with 25+ ways to enjoy elderberry syrup as part of your daily routine.
Storage & Shelf Life
Store in the refrigerator
Typically lasts 1–2 months
Can be frozen for longer storage
Always use clean utensils when serving
FAQs About Elderberry Syrup
Do I have to use freeze-dried elderberries for syrup?
This recipe is specifically designed to work with freeze-dried elderberries and helps simplify and speed up the process. Read this full article about the best elderberries to use for DIY syrup.
Can I make this without honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, sugar, or another sweetener depending on your preference.
Can kids take elderberry syrup?
Yes, many families use it regularly. Just avoid honey for children under 1 year old.
Why do you heat elderberries twice?
The first step helps extract compounds, while the second ensures the syrup is stable and safe for storage.
How long does homemade elderberry syrup last?
Typically 1–2 months in the refrigerator, or longer if frozen.
How much should I take?
Many people take 1–3 tablespoons daily (adults), adjusting as needed. Read this full article about how much elderberry syrup to take.
