by Crunchy Betty
I thought I’d try my hand at vlogging, and my conclusion is that I’m a much better writer than a speaker or videographer. But I spent all dang day on this, so I’m posting it anyway.
This is a recipe for elderberry syrup, which is seriously effective, and MUCH less expensive than any elderberry concoctions or sambucol medications you’ll buy in the store. It’s easy and it’s really, really fun to make.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe for Coughs and Colds
Here is the recipe for it, or you can opt to watch the haphazard and very home-video quality tutorial above.
Elderberry Syrup Ingredients
- 1/2 c. dried elderberries or 1 c. fresh elderberries
- 3 c. water
- 1/2 c. organic honey
- 1/4 c. cherry brandy (optional)
Elderberry Syrup Instructions
Place the water in a pot on the burner and bring it to a boil. Turn down the heat to a low simmer and add elderberries. Simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the elderberries, reserving the juice, and pressing down firmly on top of the berries to drain all the liquid. Rinse out the pot and return the juice to it over a low heat. Simmer for a few more minutes, until the liquid has reduced to 1 cup. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Pour into a glass container and add the honey and the brandy. Stir well, until the honey is completely dissolved.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep for 2 months if the brandy is included, or 2 weeks if you choose not to use brandy as a preservative.
Take 1 to 2 Tbsp a day as a maintenance dose and 3 to 5 Tbsp a day when you’re just starting to feel a cough or cold coming on.
There are multiple elderberry syrup recipes floating around online, and they’re all just a little different. Katie has a really good one here. Of course, you can always buy it pre-made if you’re not into getting all crunchy and making it yourself. But then, what fun is that?
*I’d just like to note that I’m not making any health claims, nor am I suggesting that you do this instead of see your doctor. If you have any concerns or questions about using elderberries (or brandy), speak to a medical professional about it. Just because this works for me, doesn’t mean it will work for the entire world. Or … will it?
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Category: Crunchy Home
About Crunchy Betty
I’m Betty. I’m addicted to beauty recipes. Especially the natural, crunchy, food-based ones. I sell a few natural beauty products on Etsy. This site is my outlet to provide the world with love, affection, and a gosh-darned good reason to put food on your faces!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Gracie Hall I’ve bought lots of elderberry syrup from the store and have wondered if I could make it myself to save money and know exactly the ingredients in it. Thanks so much I’m going to try a batch this week!
- Erica
Can this be used for children as well as adults?
- Amanda
Loved the vlog…bring on more of those! Great how-to. Thanks!
- barb
I must tell you, I am glad to see your recipe. My brother makes Elderberry wine . He gives it to me for my bronchus and it works Great to control it and my colds. Could you give me/ us a recipe for elderberry wine. Great video and very well explained. Thanks for the information. Elderberry works better than medicine from a doctor. The only thing with the wine I found was it is a little bitter. Thanks again.
- Laurie
Your hair is fabulous! Is this before or during no-poo? I’m considering it and if it will make my hair look as great as yours, I don’t need more convincing!
- Hallie1200
where do you get elderberries?? I hope I dont have to grow them myself:)
- Alix Davis
I found dried elderberries at Vitamin Cottage 🙂
- Kelly
I am LOVING this site 🙂
Just bought the last 1/2 cup of dried elderberries from the healthfood store, and am making this as I write 🙂
I might add that I tried the oil cleanse last night – and OMG I am in heaven….
Thanx so much, and you are so darned cute – great vlog!!! - WhirlWindchaser
Great job!!! We make Elderberry syrup every year. It is the most amazing cold and fly remedy.
Best Luck and thanks- Crunchy Betty
Don’t you love it? It tastes so good. We’re out of it already, since the small batch I made here. Time to order more elderberries. Extra this time, ’cause I really want to start putting them in my tea regularly now. Tastes like fall. Mmm.
- Raysmom
I was looking for a recipe just like this! I have lots of elderberries- and this is do-able, yummy, and good for you. Fun site, even for us empty-nester girls. (It’s nice at bedtime, a little warm. Ahhhhh.)
- Crunchy Betty
It. Is. Yummy. That is definitely true.
You’re the only person I’m going to admit this to (and, I guess, anybody who reads this far into the comments), but I actually put about half a cup of it over ice last weekend and had it as a late-night co*cktail. Heh.
Come back soon!
- Jamie
just so ya know, I have had dried elderberries I bought in a kit from Vintage Remedies since April. We used to always buy our syrup from beeyoutiful.com, however, I knew it had to be cheaper to make. I just hadn’t gotten around to doing it…I found your recipe about 5, and it is 7, and I have a jar of elderberry syrup all done! thanks a bunch!
- Crunchy Betty
Hm. I have never heard of this Vintage Remedies. I have also never heard of beeyoutiful.com. I have a lot of reading to do before bedtime!
Wasn’t it quick, easy, and painless? Not to mention yummy. I actually forced my mother to put back a bottle of Sambucol she was about to purchase today. It’s silly to spend so much on something you can do, cheaper, yourself.
Come back soon!
- Ali
I just found your site and love it! The vlog was very nice.
- Crunchy Betty
Thank you ALL! I’m trying to weed out the phrase “you’re gonna wanna” – I’ll do better next time! I promise.
Mwah! Sooooo much love!
- Jean Has Been Shopping
I love the new look and the vlog! You’re a natural!
- Lori @ In Pursuit of Martha Points
You are adorable. And yes, you are awesome.
And if I were making the recipe? I so would have taken a sip of the brandy.
And I LOVE the new site
- Stephanie
Very cool…will definitely keep this recipe in my pocket for winter!
Loved the video, for sure do more… You are the Nigella of healthy living!And you need not ever apologize for the glass jar collection! I’d be willing to bet that most of us who frequent your site have, ahem, more than a few ourselves 🙂
- Lisa @ Grandma's Briefs
You did a fantastic job. Vlog away! Seriously!
I’ve got elderberry bushes all over my yard. Now I can stop buying Robitussin! :o)
- Jessica Anne
You are so cute! I loved it. Definitely more. Yay, vlog!
- Stacy @ Delighting in the Days
Oh! I am SO excited! I have been hunting for an elderberry syrup recipe. Seriously. Just last week I was googling looking for one. I have dried elderberries right now and am going to make this as soon as possible. Can’t wait!
You are a natural in front of the camera!
I really like your make up too. would love to know what you use 🙂
- Lindsay
I’m SO picking up elderberries next time I go to Earth Fare – with fall {cold season} quickly sneaking up on us, I want to be sure I’m prepared with this stuff! I’d MUCH rather take this and give this to my family than that crazy over the counter crap that makes me have all those whacked out dreams.
AND, I love the vlog and totally vote that you do more! Yay! <3
Linds
- Jan
YOU are just too cute for words 🙂
I see a TV spot in your future. heheee … - Dawn Martinello | Monday Morning VA
You did a great job on the video – I’d love to see more! And thanks for sharing the recipe. My husband hates taking most cough medicines but I think this’ll work for him. Perfect timing as fall is just around the corner!
