What Is Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce?
Classic sweet and sour sauce gets its color and sweetness from pineapple juice and, too often, a dose of red food dye. This version does it differently — we let real elderberry do the work.
Our elderberry syrup replaces the usual pineapple-and-dye sweet element, bringing a deep, natural ruby color and a rich berry note that plays beautifully against the tang of vinegar. It's a clean-label upgrade on a takeout staple, and it comes together in about 15 minutes on the stovetop.
This recipe is built on Popple Tree Creek Farms American elderberry syrup — real, farm-grown flavor, never imported and never from concentrate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
A clean-label twist on classic sweet and sour
Naturally colored by real elderberry — no dyes
Ready in about 15 minutes
Perfect for dipping, glazing, or drizzling
The ideal partner for our Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons
Recipe Ingredients
⅓ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp ketchup (or 1 Tbsp tomato paste) — for color and body
1 Tbsp soy sauce
½ cup water
1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water (slurry)
Why Make Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce?
A Cleaner Sauce: Real elderberry stands in for pineapple juice and red dye, so you know exactly what's in the jar.
Naturally Beautiful: Elderberry gives the sauce a deep ruby color without any artificial coloring.
Endlessly Useful: Use it as a dip, a glaze, or a finishing drizzle.
Pairs Perfectly: It's the dip made for our Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons.
How to Make Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce
Ingredients
⅓ cup rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp ketchup (or 1 Tbsp tomato paste)
1 Tbsp soy sauce
½ cup water
1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp cold water (slurry)
Equipment
Small saucepan
Whisk
Small bowl (for the cornstarch slurry)
Measuring cups and spoons
Jar or bowl for storing
Preparation
In the saucepan, whisk together the elderberry syrup, vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, soy sauce, and ½ cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine, whisk it into the sauce, and simmer for 1–2 minutes until glossy and thickened.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly — it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Why This Recipe Works
Elderberry syrup brings natural sweetness and a deep color, replacing pineapple and dye
Vinegar delivers the signature "sour" tang that balances the sweet
Ketchup or tomato paste adds body and that familiar glossy red-orange depth
The cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to a perfect dipping consistency
Tips for Perfect Sweet & Sour Sauce
Whisk the slurry right before adding it so the cornstarch doesn't settle
Let the sauce simmer until glossy — that's your sign it's thickened
Remember it thickens more as it cools, so don't over-reduce
Thin with a splash of water for a pourable glaze
Taste and adjust: a little more vinegar for tang, a little more sugar for sweetness
Ways to Use Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce
Dip: The perfect partner for Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons
Glaze: Brush over meatballs, chicken, or tofu
Drizzle: Spoon over rice bowls or stir-fries
Appetizer Spread: Set out a bowl alongside egg rolls and spring rolls
How Is This Different From Store-Bought Sweet & Sour?
Most store-bought sweet and sour sauces:
Rely on pineapple juice and corn syrup for sweetness
Often include artificial red coloring
This one is:
Sweetened and colored naturally with real elderberry syrup
Made from simple, recognizable ingredients
Free from artificial dyes
Why Use Popple Tree Creek Farms Elderberry Syrup?
This sauce starts with American elderberry syrup, made from fresh-frozen elderberries grown here in northern Minnesota.
Unlike most elderberry products on the market, ours is:
Never imported
Never from concentrate
Always made in small batches
That deep ruby color and bold flavor come from real fruit, not a bottle of dye.
More Ways to Use Elderberry Syrup
If you enjoy this sauce, 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 list of 25+ ways to use elderberry syrup beyond the spoonful.
Explore more elderberry recipes.
FAQs About Elderberry Sweet & Sour Sauce
How long does it keep?
Stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator, it'll keep for up to 1 week.
Can I make it thicker or thinner?
Yes. For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add a touch more slurry. For a pourable glaze, thin it with a splash of water.
What can I use instead of rice vinegar?
Plain white vinegar works well. Apple cider vinegar will also work with a slightly fruitier note.
Is this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce, and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
What do I serve it with?
It's made to pair with our Elderberry Cream Cheese Wontons, but it's also excellent with meatballs, chicken, tofu, egg rolls, and rice bowls.
Final Thoughts
This elderberry sweet and sour sauce is proof that a cleaner ingredient list doesn't mean giving up the flavor you love. Real elderberry brings the sweetness and that gorgeous ruby color naturally, no dyes required.
👉 Ready to make it? Grab a bottle of Popple Tree Creek Farms American elderberry syrup and whisk up a batch for your next wonton night.
Download PDF recipe card
