Description

A budget-friendly, homemade elderberry syrup made with raw honey and cinnamon. This small-batch recipe provides immune support for under $0.50 per serving and is perfect for single-person households.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried elderberries (or 3 cups fresh elderberries)
2 cups water
2 large cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
½ cup raw honey
1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced (optional)
1 strip orange peel (optional)
1 star anise pod (optional)

Instructions

Combine dried elderberries, cinnamon sticks, and optional spices in a small saucepan. Pour in 2 cups of water and stir to submerge berries.
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid slightly ajar and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the liquid turns dark purple and berries burst.
Turn off the heat and remove large spice pieces (cinnamon sticks, ginger, star anise) with a slotted spoon. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes until warm, not hot.
Stir in the ½ cup of raw honey until completely dissolved. Adjust sweetness or spice to taste.
Place a mesh strainer over a glass jar and pour the mixture through. Press down on the berries with the back of a spoon to extract all juice. Discard the solids.
Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature before sealing and storing in the refrigerator.

Notes

Do not add honey to boiling liquid as high heat destroys beneficial enzymes; wait until the syrup is warm. For a clearer syrup, strain twice using a coffee filter or cheesecloth. Store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Not suitable for infants under 1 year due to honey content.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Condiments
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 30
Sugar: 7
Sodium: 1
Carbohydrates: 8

Keywords: elderberry syrup, immune boost, budget recipe, raw honey, cinnamon, homemade syrup, winter wellness, single serving