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 syrup is a great way to keep yourself healthy during the winter months or all year long.
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.
Storebought elderberry syrup can get expensive and may have preservatives, chemicals, and other additives. By making DIY elderberry syrup at home, you know exactly what’s in it and you can customize the ingredients to your liking.
Making elderberry syrup in your instant pot is quick and easy and requires few ingredients! If you don’t have an instant pot, stovetop instructions are included.
For a fun immune boosting treat, try using this homemade syrup to make Elderberry Gummies.
NOTE: This article was created for informational purposes only and is not to be perceived as professional advice in regards to health or any other field.
🍊 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.
🍯 Instant Pot Instructions
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 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 Instructions
- 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. 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.
🥤Other Uses for 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
If you want to change up the flavor of your elderberry syrup, there are lots of variations that you can try. Here are a few ideas:
- For a tart and tangy syrup, add some cranberries or grapefruit juice to the mix.
- If you want a sweeter syrup, add more honey or maple syrup to the elderberry mixture.
- Ginger is great for immunity and adds a spicy kick! Add fresh ginger or ground ginger to your elderberry syrup recipe.
- For an extra dose of antioxidants, add dried goji berries or acai powder to the elderberry mixture.
- For a spiced syrup, add some cloves, allspice, or cardamom to the recipe.
🧊 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.
Can you 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
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.
Yes, pregnant women can safely take elderberry syrup under the guidance of their healthcare professionals.
High heat can destroy elderberry syrup. When elderberries are heated at a high temperature, they release their beneficial properties and antioxidants. However, when elderberries sit too long in hot water or heat for a long period of time, the elderberries will lose some of the immune-boosting benefits that cold or room-temperature elderberry extractions provide.
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.
Dried elderberries can be found at most health food stores or online. I purchased mine on Amazon.
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.
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.
