Classic Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Makes about 3 cups of syrup. Active Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried organic elderberries
• 4 cups cold water (distilled, purified, or spring water works best)
• 2-3 inch organic ginger root
• 1-2 teaspoon of clove
• 1 organic cinnamon stick
• 1 cup raw organic honey(or organic maple syrup or agave for a vegan/infant-friendly recipe); double the amount of sweetener to increase shelf life

Directions

1. Combine berries and herbs with cold water in pot and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat and allow herbs to simmer 30 to 40 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let steep 1 hour.
4. Strain berries and herbs using a funnel overlaid with doubled cheesecloth and squeeze out liquid (careful, liquid will likely still be hot!). Discard used herbs in compost.
5. Once liquid has cooled to just above room temperature, add honey and stir to incorporate.
6. Stir until well combined.
7. Bottle in sterilized glass container.

My family enjoys a teaspoon or two of this syrup, right out of the fridge, just about every day during the sniffle season. Take it all year long to keep your immune system strong throughout the year.