Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (200 g) fresh or dried elderberries
  • 4 cups (950 ml) water
  • 1 to 1.5 cups (200 to 300 g) honey
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • 1-2 cloves (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse fresh elderberries thoroughly; if using dried, no need to rinse.
  2. In a medium saucepan, add elderberries and water. If using, add the cinnamon stick and cloves.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
  4. After simmering, use a potato masher to gently mash the elderberries and strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl to extract the liquid.
  5. While the liquid is still warm, stir in the honey and vanilla extract until fully blended. Adjust sweetness to taste.
  6. Let the syrup cool before transferring it to a clean jar or bottle. Seal and store in the refrigerator.