Ingredients
1 cup dried elderberries or 2 cups fresh
4 cups water
6 whole cloves or 1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 Tbs grated ginger ot 1 Tbs ginger proder
2 cinnamon sticks or 1 tsp cinnemon
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup vodka 80 proof liquor (40% alcohol)
Directions
Add elderberries and water to a saucepan and bring to a boil then simmer for about minutes, and then remove from heat. (Most of the water is going to either evaporate or absorb into the dried berries. Keep the heat low and be careful not to let the pot boil dry.)
Mash the elderberries to extract as much of the juice as possible.
Strain the elderberry extract through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer. (Save the strained berries,they can still be used a few more times for making cups of elderberry tea.)
Optional ~ Allow the elderberry extract to cool to room temperature if using raw honey.
Measure the strained liquid, you should have about 1 cup of elderberry extract.
Add 1 part honey for every 2 parts juice. With my elderberry syrup recipe, I have 1 cup juice, so I add 1/2 cup raw local honey.
Stir until the honey is completely dissolved, about 1-2 minutes.
Store homemade elderberry syrup in the refrigerator for about a month. (See note to extend shelf life)
Notes
Double or triple this recipe, but keep that ratio the same, using 1 part dried elderberries to 4 parts water, by volume. Then measure the strained liquid and add 2 parts elderberry extract to 1 part honey.
Raw honey has the added benefits of being anti-fungal, helping to sooth sore throats and aids digestive issues.
SHELF LIFE: To make this Elderberry Syrup last onger add 1/4 cup vodka per cup of syrup, which will act as a preservatice. 80 proof liquor (40% alcohol), such as vodka or brandy as acceptable.
Dosage as a preventative is usually 1 tablespoon per day for an adult and 1 tsp for a child. When feeling sick 1 tablespoon every 2-3 hours for a adult and 1 tsp every 2-3 hours for a child until symptoms abate.
Please consult your doctor before starting any new remedy, herbal or otherwise. Never feed honey to children under 2 years of age, and consult a doctor before using elderberry syrup for children. Elderberry syrup may not be suitable for pregnant women.