American Elderberry Syrup
If you want to preserve every bit of flavor and nutrients from your American elderberries, a raw, cold-pressed syrup is the way to go. Using fresh or frozen berries with a no-heat juice method keeps natural antioxidants, vitamins, and immune-supporting compounds intact — delivering a bright, potent syrup straight from the farm to your table. You can also use other methods to extract the juice if you don’t have access to a juice press. You can see three common methods here.
Important: American Elderberries do not have to be heated prior to consuming. Ensure you are using American Elderberries if using a no-heat/raw method. All Soil & Stick Elderberries are American Elderberry variety.
Why Raw Cold-Pressed Juice?
By skipping heat entirely, you preserve the antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamin C naturally present in American elderberries. This method ensures your syrup is as close to the fresh berry as possible — vibrant, potent, and full of flavor.
What You’ll Need
Fresh or frozen American elderberries (enough for 1 cup juice; adjust for batch size)
Raw honey (to taste; start with 1:1 ratio with juice)
Optional flavorings: cinnamon stick, cloves, or a slice of fresh ginger
Juice press, mesh strainer, or nut milk bag
Instructions
Prepare the Juice.
Using a juice press (or mesh strainer/nut milk bag), extract the juice from the berries. Collect the liquid in a clean bowl or jar. (See our post on how to extract juice here).Cold Infuse Spices (Optional)
Even without simmering, you can still infuse your syrup with warming spices:
Lightly crush a cinnamon stick and a few cloves and add Add them directly to the pressed juice.
Seal the jar and refrigerate for 1–3 days, tasting occasionally until the spice flavor is to your liking.
Strain out the spices before sweetening and bottling the syrup.
This method keeps your syrup completely raw while giving it a subtle, aromatic spice note.
Sweeten the Juice:
Measure the juice and stir in raw honey to taste. A good starting point is 1 part honey to 1 part juice, but you can adjust for sweetness or potency.
Store Your Syrup:
Pour the finished syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small portions.
Serving Ideas
Take 1 tablespoon daily as a wellness tonic.
Mix into herbal teas, sparkling water, or lemonade.
Add to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal for a nutritional boost.
From Our Farm to Your Spoon
Making raw American elderberry syrup from cold-pressed juice is an easy way to enjoy the full benefits of our Ozarks-grown berries. Simple, nutritious, and naturally delicious — a true taste of the harvest in every drop.
