Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup
This Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup recipe is simple and quick, and it yields a delicious syrup that you can use for immunity support or as a natural sweetener. Elderberries are known for their immune-boosting properties, so this pressure cooker syrup is a great way to keep yourself healthy during the winter months or during flu season.
Can you make elderberry syrup in the instant pot? Yes! And it’s easier than you may think. Elderberries are small, dark berries that grow in clusters. They are often used to make elderberry syrup, which is a natural remedy for colds and flu.
The benefits of elderberry syrup are numerous. Not only does it help boost your immune system, but it’s also a great natural sweetener. You can use elderberry syrup as a replacement for honey in any recipe. It’s also easy to make elderberry syrup at home, which can save you money on buying it from the store.
Store-bought elderberry syrup can get expensive and may have preservatives, chemicals, and other additives. By making DIY elderberry syrup at home with dried elderberries, you know exactly what’s in it and you can customize the ingredients to your liking.
Learning how to make elderberry syrup instant pot is quick and easy and requires few ingredients! If you don’t have an instant pot, stovetop and crock pot elderberry syrup instructions are included below.
For a fun immune boosting treat, try using this homemade syrup to make Elderberry Gummies.
🍊 Ingredients to make the Best Homemade Elderberry Syrup
- Dried Elderberries – Dried elderberries are the main ingredient in elderberry syrup. You can buy elderberries online or at a local health food store.
- Cinnamon Sticks – Cinnamon adds a warming flavor to elderberry syrup and also has many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties
- Ginger Root – Ginger root is known for its immune-boosting qualities and helps to add a bit of spice to the syrup without it being overpowering.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – Optional sweetener to stir in once the syrup has cooled. If you don’t want to use honey, you can substitute maple syrup or agave.
- Orange and Lemon – The zest and juice of fresh orange and lemon are used to add a bright citrus flavor.
- Filtered Water – You will need about three cups of clean filtered water for this recipe to thin out the syrup.
🍼NOTE: If you’re using honey, do not give it to any infants under 1 year old as honey can contain botulism spores which could cause infant botulism.
🍯 How To Make Elderberry Syrup In Instant Pot
1️⃣ Prepare the ingredients: Zest and juice one whole lemon and orange. Peel and slice ginger into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
2️⃣ Add to the instant pot: Add the dried elderberries to the instant pot along with the citrus juice and zest. Add in the cinnamon sticks, ginger, and water. Give it a stir to combine.
3️⃣ Pressure cook the syrup: Set the instant pot to manual HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. Once finished cooking, do an instant pressure release. Turn the instant pot off and let it cool for 15 minutes.
4️⃣ Strain and sweeten: Stir in sweetener of choice until combined. Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth that is layered over a mesh strainer with a bowl underneath to catch all the juice. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the cooked fruit.
5️⃣ Pour and store: Pour the syrup into a sanitized mason jar with a lid. Let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge for up to one month.
🔥 Stovetop Instructions
- Add all of the prepared ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn it down to a low simmer for 45 minutes.
- Sweeten, strain, and store.
🍲 Crockpot Elderberry Syrup
- Add all of the prepared ingredients to a crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Sweeten, strain, and store.
🥄 Dosing Instructions
For everyday use: Elderberry syrup can be taken in small doses. For kids, children ages one to four should take ½ teaspoon elderberry syrup per day, children five to nine years old should take one teaspoon elderberry syrup daily, and teens ages ten through 17 should take two teaspoons of elderberry syrup daily. Adults over the age of 18 can safely consume up to two tablespoons of elderberry syrup daily.
When you’re sick: If you’re using elderberry syrup for cold or flu symptoms, the doses can be increased. Children ages one to four should take ½ teaspoon elderberry syrup every two hours during sickness, children five to nine years old should take one teaspoon elderberry syrup every two hours when sick, and teens ages ten through 17 should take two teaspoons of elderberry syrup every two hours when sick. Adults over the age of 18 can safely consume up to four tablespoons of elderberry syrup every two hours when sick.
🥤How To Use Elderberry Syrup
- Use a tablespoon or two to sweeten and flavor your favorite hot or iced tea.
- Add elderberry syrup to your morning coffee for a boost of flavor and immunity.
- Use elderberry syrup in place of honey when making salad dressings or marinades.
- Mix elderberry syrup with sparkling water for a delicious and healthy soda replacement.
- Add elderberry syrup to smoothies or yogurt for an added health boost.
- Swirl elderberry syrup into a bowl of oatmeal or porridge for breakfast.
- Put elderberry syrup in ice cube trays and use them to sweeten cold drinks or smoothies.
🍋 Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Citrus Twist: For a zesty twist on the classic syrup, incorporate the juice and grated zest of an organic grapefruit, infusing a tangy citrus note to the elderberry syrup recipe in the Instant Pot.
- Vegan elderberry syrup: Enhance the sweetness naturally by stirring in pure maple syrup instead of honey, perfect for those seeking a vegan option or a different flavor profile in their elderberry syrup.
- Spicy syrup: Add a kick of spice by including a piece of star anise or a few whole cloves during the cooking process, which can be easily removed before straining for a spiced elderberry syrup in the Instant Pot.
- Add Antioxidants: To amplify the syrup’s antioxidant power, mix in a tablespoon of acai powder or a handful of dried goji berries, boosting the health benefits of your slow cooker elderberry syrup.
- 3 ingredient elderberry syrup recipe: Create a 3-ingredient elderberry syrup by combining only dried elderberries, water, and your choice of sweetener to the Instant Pot, maintaining simplicity while still providing a sweet flavor.
- With fresh elderberries: If using fresh elderberries, simply wash one cup of the fresh berries, remove the stems, and follow the same Instant Pot recipe, adjusting the water by a half cup since fresh berries will release more juice.
- For sleep or relaxation: For a soothing nighttime variation, mix in a few sprigs of fresh lavender or chamomile during the simmering process in your crockpot elderberry syrup, straining them out before bottling for a calming twist.
🧊 Storage & Freezing
How long does this Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup last?
Elderberry syrup will last in the fridge for up to one month or in the freezer for up to six months in a jar or container with a sealed lid.
Does elderberry syrup need to be refrigerated?
Yes, elderberry syrup needs to be stored in the fridge due to the honey and water content if the syrup is not pressured canned.
How to freeze elderberry syrup: Yes, elderberry syrup can be frozen. It is best to freeze elderberry syrup in ice cube trays and then store the elderberry cubes in a plastic bag or glass container with a lid. Elderberry syrup will keep for up to six months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before consuming. Full freezing instructions here.
❔FAQ
Can you have too much elderberry syrup?
Generally, elderberry is safe to consume in large amounts. However, if you are taking elderberry syrup for a specific health condition, follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare professional as it may induce an upset stomach.
Can pregnant women take elderberry syrup?
Yes, pregnant women can safely take elderberry syrup under the guidance of their healthcare professionals.
Can you eat raw elderberries?
No, it is not safe to eat elderberries raw. Elderberry plants contain a cyanide-like compound that can cause nausea, vomiting, and even death. Only the ripe berries that have been cooked or processed are safe to eat.
Where can I get dried elderberries?
Dried elderberries can be found at most health food stores or online. I purchased mine on Amazon.
Is this similar to Zambucol?
Yes, homemade elderberry syrup, like the kind made using an Instant Pot or crockpot, is similar to Sambucol, a popular brand of dietary supplements derived from elderberries. Both utilize the purported immune-boosting properties of elderberries, but homemade syrup allows for personalization and the avoidance of additional preservatives found in some commercial products.
Instant Pot Elderberry Syrup
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup Elderberries dried
- 1 tbsp Orange Zest
- ¼ cup Orange Juice
- 2 tsp Lemon Zest
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 2 oz Ginger peeled root, sliced
- 3 cups Filtered Water
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- ⅓ cup Honey or Maple Syrup, Agave
Instructions
- Zest and juice one whole lemon and orange. Peel and slice ginger into 1/2 inch thick pieces.
- Add the dried elderberries to the instant pot along with the citrus juice and zest. Add in the cinnamon sticks, ginger, and water. Give it a stir to combine.
- Set the instant pot to manual HIGH pressure for 8 minutes. Once finished cooking, do an instant pressure release. Turn the instant pot off and let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Stir in sweetener of choice until combined. Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth that is layered over a mesh strainer with a bowl underneath to catch all the juice. Squeeze out as much liquid as you can from the cooked fruit.
- Pour the syrup into a sanitized jar with a lid. Let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge for up to one month.
Video
Notes
Stovetop Instructions
- Add all of the prepared ingredients to a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn it down to a low simmer for 45 minutes.
- Sweeten, strain, and store.
Crockpot Instructions
- Add all of the prepared ingredients to a crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Sweeten, strain, and store.
