Fight Colds & Boost Immunity. Elderberries are packed with flavonoids and vitamin C, which may help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. Combined with immune-friendly add-ins like fresh ginger, lemon, and raw honey, these shots become a powerful (and tasty!) natural defense tool.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Elderberry Base
- 1.5 cups dried elderberries organic or 2 cups fresh
3 cups filtered water
2 inch ginger root fresh
1 cinnamon stick optional
3 cloves optional
Create the Elderberry Wellness Mix
¼ cup lemon juice fresh
lemon zest fresh- 3 tbsp manuka honey or raw honey
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Elderberry Syrup Base.In a medium saucepan, combine dried elderberries, water, sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20–30 minutes, until the liquid reduces by about half and the berries are soft and mushy.1.5 cups dried elderberries, 3 cups filtered water, 2 inch ginger root, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 cloves
- Strain the MixtureRemove from heat and let cool slightly. Pour through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, pressing the berries firmly to extract all the liquid. Discard the solids (or compost them). You should have 1–1.5 cups of rich purple syrup.
- Sweeten and FlavorWhile the syrup is still warm (but not hot), stir in manuka honey until dissolved. Add fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness. Taste and adjust sweetness/tartness. If using turmeric or other boosters, mix them in now.¼ cup lemon juice, lemon zest, 3 tbsp manuka honey, ½ tsp ground turmeric, 1 pinch black pepper
- Bottle and StorePour into a clean glass jar or bottle. Refrigerate for up to 2–3 weeks (or freeze in ice cube trays for longer storage—pop out a cube and thaw for a quick shot).
- Serve the Wellness ShotsFor each serving: Pour 1–2 oz (2–4 tbsp) of the elderberry mixture into a small glass. Dilute slightly with coconut water or filtered water if too strong. Many take it straight for maximum potency. Shoot it back daily, especially during cold season!
Notes
- Fresh ginger root is optional but highly recommended for extra immunity kick start For extra Anti-Inflammatory Boost add 1/2 inch more ginger and 1/2 tsp turmeric gives extra warmth and support.
- Lemon adds a bright tang and extra vitamin C - but only if added to cooled syrup
- Use organic dried elderberries for purity.
- Don't boil the honey preserve enzymes by adding after cooling slightly
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Variations to Try
- Spicy Version — Add cayenne or more ginger for a fiery kick.
- Berry Boost — Blend in frozen blueberries or blackberries before straining.
- Kid-Friendly — Dilute more and serve over ice as a "purple power drink."
YOUR RECIPE NOTES:
Nutrition
Calories: 24kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 4mgPotassium: 51mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 84IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.3mg
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