Recipe Elderberry Cordial: Easy Homemade Guide

Updated On: October 15, 2025

There’s something truly magical about elderberries — those tiny, dark purple berries bursting with flavor and nutrients. Making elderberry cordial at home is a delightful way to preserve the essence of these berries, creating a versatile, sweet, and tangy syrup that can brighten up your drinks, desserts, or even serve as a natural immune booster.

Elderberry cordial is not only delicious but also packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and a rich history of traditional use for wellness.

Whether you’re a seasoned forager or simply curious about crafting homemade syrups, this elderberry cordial recipe will guide you through every step. It’s easier than you might think and yields a beautifully fragrant, deeply colored cordial that you can enjoy year-round.

Plus, this recipe is completely customizable — so you can adjust the sweetness or add your favorite spices to make it uniquely yours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This elderberry cordial recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a refreshing addition to your kitchen staples. It’s a natural, preservative-free syrup that you can use in cocktails, sparkling water, or as a warming winter tonic.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to harness the health benefits of elderberries, known for their immune-supporting properties.

Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade cordial is fresher, more vibrant, and free from artificial additives. It’s also incredibly versatile — add a splash to your morning tea, drizzle it over pancakes, or mix it into your favorite vegan cocktail for a burst of flavor.

Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients and equipment, and let’s dive into making this delicious elderberry cordial!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh elderberries (or 2 cups dried elderberries)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3-4 cloves
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional for extra warmth)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan or pot
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Glass bottles or jars for storage
  • Funnel (optional, for bottling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the elderberries: If using fresh elderberries, remove them from their stems carefully and rinse them under cold water to remove any debris. If using dried elderberries, no rinsing is needed.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the elderberries, water, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, cloves, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. Simmer the mixture: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The berries will soften, and the liquid will darken as flavors meld together.
  4. Strain the liquid: Remove the pot from heat, and carefully strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl. Press the solids gently with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
  5. Add sugar and lemon juice: While the liquid is still warm, stir in the granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the sugar dissolves completely.
  6. Cool and bottle: Let the cordial cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into sterilized glass bottles or jars using a funnel if needed. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator.
  7. Enjoy your elderberry cordial: Use your cordial within 2-3 weeks. Shake the bottle well before each use.

Tips & Variations

“For a spicier twist, try adding a star anise or a few peppercorns during simmering.”

If you prefer a less sweet cordial, reduce the sugar to 1 1/2 cups or substitute with honey or maple syrup after the cordial has cooled slightly (do not boil honey). You can also experiment with additional flavorings such as vanilla bean or cardamom for a unique touch.

For a longer shelf life, consider sterilizing your bottles and storing the cordial in the freezer. Frozen cordial can last up to six months without losing flavor or quality.

For those interested in the immune-boosting benefits of elderberries, take a small spoonful as a daily tonic, especially during cold and flu season. Remember, elderberries should never be consumed raw in large quantities, as they can be mildly toxic; cooking them as in this recipe makes them safe and delicious.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 1 tbsp (15 ml)
Calories 50
Carbohydrates 13 g
Sugar 12 g
Vitamin C 4 mg (7% DV)
Iron 0.2 mg (1% DV)
Calcium 3 mg (0.3% DV)

Note: Nutritional values vary depending on sugar amount and elderberry type.

Serving Suggestions

  • Add 1-2 tablespoons of elderberry cordial to sparkling water or soda for a refreshing homemade elderberry soda.
  • Mix with warm water or herbal tea and a squeeze of lemon for a soothing winter drink.
  • Use as a syrup topping for pancakes, waffles, or vegan desserts like coconut yogurt or chia pudding.
  • Incorporate into cocktails such as gin and elderberry fizz or elderberry mojitos for a unique twist.
  • Drizzle over fresh fruit salads to add a vibrant fruity flavor.

Conclusion

Making elderberry cordial at home is a rewarding and enjoyable project that brings the rich flavors and health benefits of elderberries right to your kitchen. This recipe is simple yet flexible, allowing you to personalize the syrup according to your taste preferences and intended uses.

Not only does homemade elderberry cordial taste fresher and more vibrant than store-bought versions, but it also connects you with a tradition of natural wellness remedies. Whether you sip it as a soothing tonic, mix it into your favorite drinks, or use it as a sweetener for desserts, elderberry cordial is sure to become a cherished staple.

For more delicious and healthy recipes, check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, explore creative dishes in Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, or refresh your salads with ideas from Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

📖 Recipe Card: Elderberry Cordial

Description: A sweet and tangy homemade elderberry cordial perfect for sipping or mixing. This recipe highlights the natural flavors of elderberries with a touch of citrus and spice.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 1 liter

Ingredients

  • 500g fresh elderberries, washed and stems removed
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 500g granulated sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 liter water

Instructions

  1. Combine elderberries, lemon, orange, cinnamon, cloves, and water in a large pot.
  2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a clean pot.
  4. Add sugar to the strained liquid and stir over low heat until dissolved.
  5. Allow to cool, then pour into sterilized bottles.
  6. Store in the refrigerator and shake before use.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 30g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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