DIY Elderberry Elixir*

Rosemary Gladstar is one of the foremost herbal authorities and her elderberry syrup recipe (Gladstar, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, 2008) is the one I have used for years. A couple of years ago I added an elderberry tincture (Gladstar, Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, 2012) to the mix. Using about 2/3 tincture and 1/3 syrup mix stored in a 4 ounce dropper bottle I created an elixir of sorts without the spoiling the benefits of each separately. This year I ran across an elixir recipe that intrigued me. Thankfully I had the foresight to document the process.

To begin I started with all organic ingredients. I feel that you should only use the highest quality products for the highest quality results.

The elderberries were ordered from Rose Mountain Herbs. They can seem a little expensive but for the value they provide it is worth it. The vodka is an organic label we discovered recently. It has a pleasant, mild flavor and is not any more expensive than other upper shelf vodka on the market. The honey is not local, raw honey but it is organic from my local store. For this first attempt I wanted purely organic but for the next batch I think I will use the local, raw honey instead. I get a better energy from the local honey.

Next is the measurements. The recipes calls for the following measurements but, as you will see, I had to make some alterations.

1 quart jar

2 cups Elderberries

3 cups brandy or vodka

1 cup honey

In effort to have fewer dishes to clean up I used the same measuring cup I measured up the elderberries in to measure the vodka. If you do this rinse out the measuring cup afterward. You will see why in a second.

Three cups of vodka would not fit into the 2 cups of elderberries in a quart jar and leave room for the honey. I don’t know if I measured too much of these two and threw off the proportions but as you can see behind the honey there was still a good bit left in the measuring cup. If you have rinsed out the cup after measuring the elderberries you should be able to pour it back into the bottle, very carefully of course.

Next I added the honey to fill the jar.

Using a butter knife I stirred it thoroughly to mix in the thicker honey with the vodka.

To the pantry to sit and wait for 3 weeks. I like writing the beginning and ending dates on the lids with a dry erase marker so I know when to take them off.

After shaking periodically over the last three weeks and keeping it in a dark cool place, today was the day to try it.

It has a very nice “cough syrup” consistency and a slightly alcohol flavor. I think next time I will use just a little less of the vodka, but I have to be careful to keep it shelf stable. This can stay as is in the same dark pantry indefinitely as long as that ratio is maintained to preserve the sugars. If you are in doubt of your balance store it in the refrigerator. I have had my mix from last year in the fridge with no deterioration or loss of potency.

*As always, this is not meant to replace professional medical advice or treat any manifested illness. My family and I use this in a nutritional supplement way to boost our immune system and prevent illness. If you feel you have any illness please consult a medical professional for treatment methods.