Wondering how to make homemade elderberry syrup to support your immune system during the fall and winter season? This recipe for homemade elderberry syrup is infused with essential oils to deliver additional natural wellness benefits and tastes delicious, too.

For more essential oil ideas perfect for winter, check out this free winter diffuser recipe “cheat sheet” and 15 DIY self-care ideas using essential oils.

jar of homemade elderberry syrup with free printable label

After reading all about the benefits of elderberry syrup, we’ve had a jar on hand during cold and flu season to support our immune system. My family thinks it’s delicious so they happily drink some every day!

There are incredible benefits of elderberry syrup, and peer reviewed research shows it has positive health benefits. And right now, we need alllllll the immune support we can get, whew.

I used to buy elderberry syrup but it started to get expensive, and when I saw how easy it was (and how much money I could save by making it myself) it was a no-brainer to try the homemade version.

straining elderberries for elderberry syrup

It’s satisfying to make something so healthy, delicious and wellness-boosting for my family!

adding cinnamon stick to elderberry syrup

Which essential oils do you add to elderberry syrup and why?

The essential oils in this recipe are optional. They add a touch of additional delicious flavor as well as other wellness supporting benefits. If you do use essential oils in this recipe, make sure you use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils that are labeled for dietary support. Personally I only use Young Living essential oils because I’ve seen the distillation process firsthand and know how pure they are!

The following essential oils would be great to mix and match in this recipe; you can use the recipe as written or mix and match a bit according to your preferences:

Lemon Vitality essential oil
Clove Vitality essential oil
Orange Vitality essential oil
Nutmeg Vitality essential oil
Thieves Vitality essential oil

How long is homemade elderberry syrup good for?

This recipe for elderberry syrup will stay good for 2-3 months if stored in the fridge.

How often do you take elderberry syrup?

For adults, take 1 tablespoon daily. Children can take 1 teaspoon daily (or make it into gummies!) If you start to feel under the weather, repeat the suggested amount four times a day.

How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup Video

How to Make Homemade Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Elderberry Syrup with Essential Oils

This homemade elderberry syrup with essential oils not only tastes delicious but boosts immunity, too.

Yield:

Materials

1 cup dried elderberries
4 cups water
1 cup honey
1 cinnamon stick
4 drops lemon essential oil optional
4 drops cinnamon essential oil optional
2 drops clove essential oil optional

materials needed

strainer
sauce pan
sterilized glass jar
label (optional)

Instructions

Add dry elderberries, water, honey and cinnamon stick to large saucepan and stir until combined.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the temperature and simmer for 30 minutes.
Let cool. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. You can use the back of a large spoon to push the liquid out of the elderberries in the strainer to get as much liquid out as possible.
Add essential oils, if desired. Stir until mixed together.
Store elderberry syrup in an airtight container (I store mine in a large mason jar) for up to 3 months.

Free Printable Elderberry Syrup Labels

free printable labels for homemade elderberry syrup

If you like the labels in our photos, you can download them for free! Simply click the image below, add your email address, and they’ll be delivered right to your inbox:

While it take a little bit of time to make elderberry syrup rather than buy, you’re only actively working for about 10 minutes. The stovetop does most of the work for you, which is how I like it!