My version of this sweet and spicy immune boosting tonic also has cinnamon, cloves and ginger, all ingredients known for their health benefits.
Ingredients
4cupsof filtered water
½cupdried elderberries
1cinnamon stick
10whole cloves
½-1inchpiece of fresh gingeror 1 tbs dried if fresh is not available
¼ - ½cupraw honeyor to taste
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring just to a boil. Simmer on low for at least 45 minutes, or until liquid is reduced by half.
Strain herbs out of liquid, and set aside to cool.
Add honey once infusion has mostly cooled and stir until well combined. Sweeten to taste, I prefer less sugar in mine and use closer to ¼ cup.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep for about 1 month. It can also be frozen into smaller portions to use later.
Recipe Notes
this ‘syrup’ will be thin, not thick like you think of traditional syrups. Take ½-1 tsp daily as a preventative and for general immune health. Triple the dose during illness or exposure to illness. This spicy and sweet syrup can also be used as a topping for pancakes and waffles instead of traditional maple syrup. My kids always ask for it!