What Is Elderberry Lemonade Concentrate?
If you've only ever had elderberry as a dark, syrupy spoonful in cold season, this recipe will change how you think about the berry. Elderberry isn't just something you tolerate for the health benefits — it's a genuinely delicious fruit, and a tall glass of elderberry lemonade on a hot afternoon makes that case better than anything we can say.
This is a concentrate, which is the whole point. You make one batch, keep it in the fridge, and you're always a quick pour away from a finished drink — stir it into still water for a classic lemonade, or top it with sparkling water for something closer to a spritz. It scales just as easily for a single glass as it does for a pitcher when company shows up.
This version is built on Popple Tree Creek Farms American elderberry syrup, so you're getting the same farm-grown ingredients we use here — never imported, never from concentrate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
A bright, refreshing way to enjoy elderberry beyond the spoonful
Makes a concentrate that keeps for weeks in the fridge
Works with still or sparkling water
Scales from a single glass to a full pitcher
Made with real ingredients — no dyes, no fillers, no artificial flavor
Why Make Elderberry Lemonade Concentrate?
Make Once, Drink All Week: One batch of concentrate means a fresh glass is always minutes away — 3 tablespoons in a glass of water or the whole thing for a Gallon
Real American Elderberry: We grow American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), which runs higher in the anthocyanins that give the fruit its deep ruby color and bold flavor than the European elderberry behind most commercial products.
Tweak It to Your Taste: Dial the tartness, sweetness, and elderberry intensity up or down until it's exactly your kind of lemonade.
How to Make Elderberry Lemonade Concentrate
Ingredients
1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5 - 6 lemons)
¾ cup sugar (or raw honey)
½ cup water
½ cup Popple Tree Creek Farms Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
Small saucepan
Citrus juicer or reamer
Fine-mesh strainer
Quart jar or airtight bottle
Knife to cut lemons
Preparation
In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Warm gently over low heat, stirring, just until the sugar dissolves into a simple syrup. (If using honey, warm only until it loosens and stirs in easily — do not boil.)
Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the elderberry syrup. Start with ½ cup of elderberry syrup, taste, and add up to ¾ cup for a deeper, bolder flavor.
Leave the pulp in if you like or strain through a fine-mesh strainer to catch any pulp or seeds.
Pour the concentrate into a clean quart jar or bottle and refrigerate.
To serve:
1 Glass - Mix about 3 tablespoons concentrate with 1 cup cold still or sparkling water over ice. Adjust to taste.
1 Gallon - Mix whole recipe into 3 ¾ quarts of still or sparkling water, pour over ice and enjoy at the party.
Store the concentrate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Why This Recipe Works
The simple syrup dissolves the sweetener evenly, so there's no grit at the bottom of the glass
Fresh lemon juice brings the bright acidity that balances the deep, brambly elderberry
Gentle heating protects the integrity of the elderberry syrup
Using real elderberry syrup gives you full flavor and color — not just sugar and dye
Tips for Perfect Elderberry Lemonade
Use fresh-squeezed lemons — bottled juice tastes flat by comparison
Start with less elderberry syrup and build up; you can always add more
For a less-sweet glass, dilute with a little extra water or club soda
A few fresh mint leaves or a thin lemon slice make a beautiful garnish
Make a double batch in berry season and you'll be glad you did
Ways to Customize Your Elderberry Lemonade
Sparkling Spritz: Top with sparkling water or club soda instead of still water
Herbal Twist: Muddle fresh mint, basil, or thyme into the glass
Frozen: Pour diluted lemonade into molds for elderberry popsicles
For the Grown-Ups: A splash of the concentrate makes an excellent base for a cocktail or mocktail
Is Elderberry Lemonade Good for You?
This lemonade is made with real elderberry syrup, which contains naturally occurring antioxidants, alongside fresh lemon. It's a refreshing way to make elderberry part of your routine year-round — not just during the colder months.
How Is This Different From Store-Bought Lemonade?
Most store-bought "berry" lemonades:
Are colored with dyes and flavored artificially
Contain little or no real fruit
This one is:
Made with real American elderberry syrup
Sweetened to your taste with sugar or raw honey
Free from artificial colors and flavors
More Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup
If you enjoy this lemonade, you can also use elderberry syrup in:
Tea
Sparkling drinks
Hot toddies
Homemade sodas
It's one of the most versatile ingredients to keep on hand. Read our full article on 25+ ways to take elderberry syrup daily.
Explore more elderberry recipes.
FAQs About Elderberry Lemonade Concentrate
How long does the concentrate last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it'll keep for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze elderberry lemonade concentrate?
Yes. Freeze it in an ice cube tray, then store the cubes in a freezer bag and drop them straight into a glass of water.
How much concentrate do I use per glass?
Start with about ⅓ cup of concentrate to 1 cup of water, then adjust to taste. Use more water for a lighter glass, less for a bolder one.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
You can, but fresh-squeezed lemons make a noticeably brighter, better-tasting lemonade.
Can I make this without refined sugar?
Yes — substitute raw honey or maple syrup. Warm it just enough to stir in smoothly, and note the flavor will be a little richer.
Can I use fresh or dried elderberries instead of syrup?
This recipe is built around elderberry syrup for consistent flavor and color. Fresh or dried berries would need to be cooked and strained first, which changes the ratios.
Downloadable recipe card
