Dried black elderberries, Sambucus nigra, sauco, for tea and syrup

How to Make Elderberry Tea and Elderberry Syrup: The Method and Why You Must Cook Them

By Suhail Rivera, JD, founder of Alkaline Herb Shop

Dried elderberries make two things: a deep, tart tea and the classic elderberry syrup. The one rule that matters most is that elderberries must be cooked, never used raw. For tea, simmer 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries in 10 ounces of water for 15 minutes, then strain. For syrup, you simmer longer and sweeten. This guide covers both, plus why the cooking step is not optional.

Why you must cook elderberries first

This is the important part. Raw elderberries can upset the stomach, so they are always cooked before use. Simmering is built into every tea and syrup recipe for exactly this reason. Never eat or brew them raw, and always give them a proper simmer.

How to make elderberry tea

  1. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dried elderberries to 10 ounces of water.
  2. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. A simmer, not just a steep, because the berries must cook.
  3. Remove from the heat, strain, and drink.

How to make elderberry syrup

  1. Simmer half a cup of dried elderberries in 3 cups of water for about 45 minutes, until the liquid reduces by half.
  2. Strain, pressing the berries to get all the liquid.
  3. Let it cool, then stir in a sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup, agave or coconut sugar.
  4. Store it in the refrigerator and use it within a couple of weeks.

What do elderberries taste like?

Deep, dark and tart, closer to a berry than a floral tea, with a jammy note once cooked. The syrup is richer and sweeter, and the tea is lighter and more tart.

Do elderberries have caffeine?

No. Elderberries are naturally caffeine free.

What are elderberries, or sauco?

Elderberries are the small dark berries of Sambucus nigra, called sauco or bayas de sauco in Spanish. Ours are whole organic or wildcrafted dried berries from Albania, one ingredient with nothing added. We make no health claims for them. Enjoy them cooked, as a tart tea or a homemade syrup.

Who should not use elderberries

  • Always cook elderberries before use. Do not eat or brew them raw.
  • Do not use them during pregnancy or while nursing.
  • They are not recommended for anyone under 18.
  • If you have a medical condition or take prescription medicine, speak to your doctor first.

How to store dried elderberries

Keep them tightly closed in a dry place at room temperature, 59 to 86°F. Kept dry and sealed, dried elderberries stay good for a couple of years.

Suhail Rivera is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop, which sources and sells the elderberries described in this article.

Suhail Rivera, JD, is the founder of Alkaline Herb Shop. She has spent years sourcing, handling, and selling the herbs she writes about, working directly with growers and third party testing labs. She holds a Juris Doctor. She is not a medical professional. This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition. Read more about her and the store on the About page.