Every fall, I try to make sure that I make an extra large batch of Elderberry Elixir. Elderberry is a highly medicinal plant and is a go-to herb for many people throughout the cold and flu season. If you’d like to read more about the benefits of Elderberry, you can do that here, here and here.
I’ve made lots of different remedies with Elderberry over the years, but the one I love most is also the easiest: Elderberry Elixir. Following is a quick tutorial on how to make Elderberry Elixir.
Here is what you will need:
- Elderberries
- Raw Honey
- alcohol (brandy or vodka)
- clean glass jar with tight fitting lid
- stirring spoon or chopstick
Fill your jar 1/3 of the way with dried berries.
Next, fill your jar 1/3 way with honey.
Then fill the rest of the way with alcohol. I didn’t have brandy on hand, which would have been my first choice, so I used vodka.
Use your chopstick or stirrer to release any air bubbles. Add more alcohol to top off if needed.
Place the lid on tightly and label. Keep in a dark, cool place, give your mixture a shake every now and then and your elixir will be ready to strain in 4-6 weeks!
You can add other herbs to this elixir, such as rosehips, cinnamon, ginger, or cloves, if you like. The options are endless!
What is your favorite Elderberry recipe?
I made the elixer from memory and left out the honey—no wonder it tasted so much like vodka (plus, I think it only sat for 3 weeks). My son had a cold so I just grabbed it as I was going out the door. I think he liked it, though! 🙂
It will work just as well (it just won’t taste as good!).