Trying new things can be fun and daunting all at once. We are here to simplify the elderberry syrup making process for you. Learning how to make basic elderberry syrup lends itself to a whole new world of creating your own custom blends from this base. It is powerful just-like-this. But it can also cater to you with a variety of additions in your next batch!
What you will need: 1- Elderberry Kit Packet
4 cups of quality water
1 cup (or to taste) Raw, chemical free apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup (or to taste) Raw, local honey
Bring the water and the contents of the elderberry kit packet to a boil. Let simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and set it aside for 12 hours or overnight.
Strain the elderberries and herbs from the liquid with a fine metal mesh strainer. Put the now strained liquid in a clean pan. (Compost the herbs in the strainer 0r dehydrate, powder and use in smoothies.) Heat very gently until just warm. You want it warm enough to melt the honey but not destroy the wonderful raw properties of it. Stir in the honey very well. Add the raw apple cider vinegar. Mix. Store and use as needed.
Now that you have successfully made a traditional immune support blend, here are some tried and true add ins you may want to try. If you do not have them, do not despair! Your syrup is powerful just the way it is. Plan ahead and add these next time!
You may choose to add:
1/2 oz Bee propolis
1/2 oz Echinacea or Astragulus Tincture (DIY or purchase from a quality source)
You may use plain raw apple cider vinegar as stated above or you can make one of the following infused vinegars. This requires a bit of prep for your next batch. We use these vinegars as stand alone immune support but also find them beneficial to add to our Elderberry Syrup. Either way, it is a win-win!
Four Thieves
Fill a pint jar with 5-6 nice sprigs of rosemary, 5-6 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick and the peel of one medium orange or lemon. Cover with apple cider vinegar and place in a dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake occasionally. Strain before use.
Allergy Support
Fill a pint jar with equal amounts of wilted foraged springtime ragweed leaves, goldenrod leaves, blueberries, about 1/2-1 tsp dried turmeric. Cover with apple cider vinegar and place in a dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake occasionally. Strain before use.
Super Immune Support
Fill a pint jar with equal amounts of all or some of the following ingredients: onions, jalapenos or cayenne peppers, quartered and peeled garlic, peeled and chopped ginger, peeled and chopped turmeric, fresh horseradish. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary are also an option. Cover with apple cider vinegar and place in a dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake occasionally. Strain before use.
Pic credit: Hadassah