Elderberry Magic
Hello, lovelies! Cozy up and gather ’round because today, we’re stirring up something truly magical. Elderberry syrup is a centuries-old remedy that every wise crone swears by for a little extra immune support when the weather turns brisk. It’s simple to make, tastes delightful, and even comes with a dash of folklore.
This is my take on elderberry syrup—a warm, spiced brew that’s packed with berries, honey, and a touch of ginger. It’s perfect for drizzling on pancakes, swirling into tea, or enjoying by the spoonful.
Legend has it that elderberries were cherished by healers for their immune-boosting properties, and they have a long tradition in kitchen witchery. So, let’s get brewing and infuse our syrup with warmth and good health for the months ahead!
ingredients assemble!
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 1 lemon, sliced (for brightness and a bit of tang)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- About 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1.5 cups raw honey (added after cooking)
Make Magic
Elderberry syrup is a classic remedy for immune support, but it’s also a lovely way to add a little kitchen magic to your daily routine. Each ingredient brings something unique: cinnamon for warmth, cloves for grounding, lemon for freshness, and elderberries for resilience. As you make it, stir in a bit of gratitude and enjoy the process as a soothing ritual.
Enjoy this powerful potion, and may it bring you warmth and wellness through the season!
- Set your intentions as you prepare your ingredients. Perhaps you’ll stir in a little immunity, warmth, or self-care—it’s all about what feels right for you.
- Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, add the water, elderberries, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. This combo creates a beautifully spiced syrup with a hint of citrus.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. (If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this on the stove—just simmer the mixture gently for about 90 minutes.)
- Reduce for Richness: After the pressure cycle is complete, switch to sauté mode for 15-20 minutes to help reduce the liquid slightly. This step thickens the syrup and intensifies the flavors.
- Strain & Sweeten: Once your syrup has cooled, strain it into a clean bowl, pressing the elderberries to extract every last bit of goodness. Stir in the raw honey while the syrup is still warm (not hot), and mix until fully combined. Honey not only sweetens but also adds a beautiful smoothness, perfect for sipping during chilly mornings or whenever you need a little lift..
- Store & Shake: Transfer your elderberry syrup into a glass jar, shake it all up, and keep it in the fridge. The syrup should stay fresh for a couple of weeks. A spoonful a day is all you need, but I won’t judge if you sneak a bit more. This syrup is fabulous in black tea mixtures.