Last Updated on September 1, 2025 by Nico
This elderberry cordial recipe is a rich, spiced syrup made with fresh elderberries and other warming ingredients. It’s a perfect late-summer drink to enjoy and can be made with foraged elderberries!
Why make elderberry cordial
Elderberries are the base of lots of the herbal remedies I prepare in advance of cold and flu season. They are packed with vitamin C and are often used to make elderberry syrup (I like making gummies with the syrup) and elderberry tincture.
Elderberry cordial is another way to enjoy the deep, earthy flavour of the berries! I like to add it over sparkling water, in a warm cup of tea, or even in a mocktail.
Foraging for elderberries
If you’re foraging, always make sure you’ve correctly identified the elder tree. Look for clusters of small, dark purple-black berries hanging in heavy bunches. These usually appear in late summer to early autumn after the white elderflowers have gone to seed. Only harvest fully ripe, deep-coloured berries and remember to leave most of the berries for the birds!
Fresh or dried elderberries
You can use either fresh or dried berries. I like to forage fresh berries in the early autumn, but have also made batches with store-bought dried elderberries (here’s an organic source).
Elderberry cordial recipe
Ingredients
Fresh or dried elderberries – here’s a bulk, organic source
Lemon juice
Citric acid (optional, helps to preserve the syrup) – here’s a source
Cinnamon sticks – here’s a source
Sugar – you can use plain sugar, coconut sugar, raw honey, maple syrup, etc
Tools
Large saucepan
Muslin cloth, cheesecloth, or fine mesh strainer – I use this unbleached cheesecloth
Glass bottles or jars – I like these bottles
Funnel (optional)
Instructions
Wash the fresh elderberries in cold water and remove them from their stems.
Add the berries to a large saucepan with the cold water and the cinnamon sticks. Heat on low heat and let the mixture simmer gently for around 15–20 minutes. Try to avoid boiling the mixture.
After about half of the liquid has evaporated, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with a piece of muslin or cheesecloth into a bowl. Gently press the berries with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much juice as possible.
Add the juice back to the saucepan. Add the lemon juice, citric acid (if using), and sugar. Simmer over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Pour the cordial into clean glass bottles while hot. Seal immediately. Let cool to room temperature before storing in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
Tips and variations
- Alcohol-free but preserved – This cordial doesn’t include alcohol, but the sugar and citric acid help extend its shelf life.
- Cordial with alcohol: If preferred, a small amount of brandy or vodka can be stirred in once the cordial has cooled slightly.
How long does it last?
You can freeze the cordial in small portions or store it in the fridge for several weeks.
How to enjoy it
- Dilute with hot water or herbal tea for a warming winter drink
- Add a splash of the cordial into soda water for a nice late-summer drink
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Homemade Elderberry Cordial Recipe (And Elderberry Syrup)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the fresh elderberries in cold water and remove them from their stems.
- Add the berries to a large saucepan with the cold water and the cinnamon sticks. Heat on low heat and let the mixture simmer gently for around 15–20 minutes. Try to avoid boiling the mixture.
- After about half of the liquid has evaporated, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with a piece of muslin or cheesecloth into a bowl. Gently press the berries with the back of a spoon to squeeze out as much juice as possible.
- Add the juice back to the saucepan. Add the lemon juice, citric acid (if using), and sugar. Simmer over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Pour the cordial into clean glass bottles while hot. Seal immediately. Let cool to room temperature before storing in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
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