How to Make Elderberry Syrup: Easy Homemade Recipe
Sep 02, 2026
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about making your own elderberry syrup. Rich, fruity and gently spiced, this simple homemade recipe is a lovely way to make the most of elderberries while they’re in season - and makes a thoughtful homemade gift, too.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Enjoy over desserts, or use it to create a simple cocktail with our Sparkling English Blush for something a little more special.
Elderberry Syrup Ingredients:
500g elderberries
100ml water
500g white sugar
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
This recipe makes a very sweet syrup, but you can adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer. For a less sweet version, use around 250g sugar. Just note that reducing the sugar will affect the syrup’s shelf life, so it must be kept refrigerated and consumed within 4 weeks.
You can also substitute the sugar with 1 cup of honey, if preferred. This will still produce a very sweet syrup, with honey adding a softer, more rounded flavour.
Method:
1. Prepare the elderberries
Remove the elderberries from their stalks using your fingers or the prongs of a fork.
2. Cook the elderberries
Add the berries to a saucepan with the water, along with the cinnamon stick, if using. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and gently simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from the heat and leave to cool slightly.
3. Strain the juice
Pour the mixture through a jelly bag or fine muslin cloth into a measuring jug. Allow the juice to drain through, pressing or squeezing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
4. Add the sugar
Measure the amount of juice you have collected, then add an equal weight of sugar. For example, for 500ml of elderberry juice, add 500g of sugar.
Return the juice and sugar to a clean saucepan and gently simmer for around five minutes, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
5. Bottle and store
Allow the syrup to cool completely before pouring into sterilised bottles. Seal and store appropriately before enjoying or gifting.
How to Serve:
For a simple long drink, add a splash of elderberry syrup to a glass of chilled L.A Brewery and top with ice. The rich berry flavour works beautifully against the bright, tart sparkles of our English Blush, making an easy serve for an afternoon gathering or evening ritual.
Gifting tip: Pour the syrup into a small sterilised glass bottle and finish with a simple handwritten label. Pair with a bottle of L.A Brewery for an easy, considered gift.
