Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (2024)

Elderberry Tea is a warm drink you can make at home in just minutes! It’s a faster than making elderberry syrup, when your immune system needs a little boost.

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Why You’ll Love It

Elderberries have been long used in folk medicine to potentially help with inflammation, headaches, and cold symptoms, but these immune-boosting berriesmust be cookedbefore they are consumed.

Boiling the elderberries to make an herbal tea is a great way to do that!

PotentialHealth Benefits of Elderberries

  • Black elderberries have been shown to reduce the symptoms and length of influenza when taken at the first sign of illness.
  • In one study of patients with influenza, taking elderberry syrup 4 times a day was shown to reduce influenza-like symptoms 4 days earlier than those who didn’t take it.
  • Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which may have anti-inflammatory and anti-carinogenic properties.
  • The flavonoids found in elderberries may help to lower the risk of heart disease.
  • Black elderberries (also known as Sambucus nigra) may help with blood sugar control.

As an added bonus, this elderberry tea is a comforting cold-weather drink, and tastes amazing with a touch of honey and spices.

Safety Tip:When storing dried elderberries, be sure to keep them away from kids and pets.Dried elderberries may be toxic when eaten straight from the bag, and my kids think the dried berries look like mini chocolate chips– so keep them stored up high, safely out of reach.

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How To Make Elderberry Tea

1. Combine the ingredients.

In a small pot, combine the elderberries, water, and spices. I like to use a whole cinnamon stick and a few whole cloves, but you can also add in any other herbs or spices that you enjoy.

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2. Simmer.

Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat, then lower the heat slightly. Simmer the elderberries for at least 15 minutes. The water will turn dark purple, and your kitchen will start to smell like elderberry juice!

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3. Strain.

Pour the hot liquid through a fine mesh strainer and into your mug. You can discard the elderberry pulp, or save it to boil a second batch later.

Add in any extras you love, such as raw honey or lemon juice, and then enjoy!

Simmer the elderberries in water for 15 minutes. The liquid should be dark purple, and your kitchen will start to smell like elderberry juice!

Pour the liquid through a strainer into your mug to serve, since you won’t want to consume the elderberry pulp.

Variations

The best thing about making elderberry tea at home is that you get to control the flavor. Here are some other add-ins you might want to consider.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can You Find Elderberries?

Some health food stores sell dried elderberries, otherwise you can buy them online. Brand availability will vary, but I feel comfortable buying most brands that are certified organic.

What does elderberry tea taste like?

Elderberry tea tastes slightly tart and spicy (depending on which spices you add), with a fragrant smell of berries. Add your favorite sweetener to make it taste more palatable.

Can You Boil Elderberries Twice?

Yes! You can get more “bang for your buck” by reserving the boiled elderberries from your first cup of tea. Just add more water and boil again, for a second,slightly less-strong cup of elderberry tea. If you’re going to boil a second batch, I recommend you do it on the same day, so you don’t have to save the soggy elderberries in the fridge for later.

Can I use raw elderberries?

Dried elderberries will be more concentrated in flavor, so when using fresh elderberries you’ll need to use more. Also, keep in mind that elderberries must always be cooked before you consume them. The berries, leaves, stems, and seeds all contain a toxic substance that is removed by cooking, so don’t be tempted to skip that important step.

What are the side effects of elderberries?

Consuming uncooked elderberries, stems, seeds, or leaves may result in vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea.

Looking for more warm drink ideas? Try Ginger Tea, Cinnamon Tea, homemade chai latte, or healthy hot chocolate.

Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (6)

Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (7)

Elderberry Tea (3 ingredients!)

5 from 3 votes

Here's how to make Elderberry Tea at home, using just 3 simple ingredients! Elderberries may help to boost immunity and shorten cold & flu symptoms, so this tea is an easy alternative to elderberry syrup.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons dried elderberries
  • 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon)

Instructions

  • Combine the water, elderberries and cinnamon stick in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 15 minutes.

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  • Pour the tea through a fine mesh strainer to remove the elderberries and cinnamon stick.

    Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (9)

  • Serve warm with any add-ins you like. I sometimes like to add a squeeze of lemon or orange juice, along with a drizzle of honey. Leftover tea can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed warm or cold, if you want to make a larger batch.

    Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (10)

Video

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and does not take into account that the elderberries and cinnamon stick are strained out of the final tea. This is just an estimate, and not a guarantee.

Safety Tip: Do not consume uncooked elderberries, or their stems, leaves or seeds. They contain a toxic substance that is removed with cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 30kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 26mg, Potassium: 83mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 177IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 61mg, Iron: 1mg

Author: Megan Gilmore

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: vegan

Keyword: elderberry tea

If you try this easy elderberry tea recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.

Easy Elderberry Tea Recipe (3 ingredients!) (2024)

FAQs

What not to mix with elderberry? ›

Possible Interactions
  • Diuretics (water pills). Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid and increase the amount of urine your body makes. ...
  • Diabetes medications. Elderberry may lower blood sugar levels. ...
  • Chemotherapy. ...
  • Laxatives. ...
  • Theophylline (TheoDur). ...
  • Drugs that suppress the immune system.

What is elderberry tea made of? ›

Elderberry tea is made from dried, ripe elderberries. These berries are boiled in water, and then the mixture is strained to remove solids. The resulting tea has a sweet and tart taste with earthy undertones.

Does boiling elderberries remove toxins? ›

Preparing Elderberry Safely: What You Need to Know

To neutralize toxins, specifically cyanide-inducing glycosides, heat treatment is a must. Boiling elderberries for at least 30 minutes is the go-to method. This ensures the destruction of harmful compounds.

What are the main ingredients in elderberries? ›

Elderberry is a very rich source of anthocyanins in comparison to other fruits. The fruit of Sambucus nigra contains anthocyanins, especially cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside. Two other (minor) anthocyanins are cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, and cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-glucoside.

Who should not drink elderberry tea? ›

"Autoimmune diseases" such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Elderberry might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Is elderberry bad for high blood pressure? ›

Elderberries may be beneficial for the heart, as they have been associated with positive effects on blood pressure; the anthocyanin content increases the release of nitric oxide—which helps widen the blood vessels and improves blood flow, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.

Is it okay to drink elderberry tea every day? ›

Elderberries offer excellent nutrition that contains antioxidants and vitamin C, which can boost the immune system among other benefits. Yes, you can take elderberry supplements daily, even three to four times a day. However, you should not take more than the recommended daily dose.

Is elderberry tea a laxative? ›

Notably, elderberry tea may help reduce chronic constipation. One study found that a tea combination made with elderberry flower, anise and other laxative-promoting ingredients, like senna, taken three times per day helped improve constipation (learn more about the health benefits of different types of teas).

How to prepare elderberries? ›

Place the berries and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer gently for 40 minutes and stir occasionally. Mash the berries a little with the back of a spoon. Strain the elderberry mixture through a sieve lined with muslin or cheesecloth into a 1-litre measuring jug.

How long do elderberries need to be boiled? ›

Add elderberries, 4 cups water, cinnamon sticks, ginger and cardamom to a large pot and heat over medium heat. Once it has reached a boil continue to cook, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Occasionally check to make sure the water has not reduced past the point of the berries.

What kills elderberry? ›

Immediately apply glyphosate (20 ml/L water) or 1.5 ml of Tordon Brushkiller to each cut. Spraying: Elderberry can be controlled using Escort (5g/10L water).

Does boiling elderberries destroy vitamin C? ›

Elderberries contain vitamin C, but much of it is destroyed by heat. Adding lemon juice provides an additional vitamin C boost to the syrup.

What is the difference between elderberry and American elderberry? ›

Elderberry Basic Facts

American elderberry ( Sambucus canadensis) is more shrub-like and can grow up to 8 to 10 feet high, while European black elder ( Sambucus nigra) has the makings of a small tree and will reach 20 feet. It is well adapted to a wide range of habitats.

How long to cook elderberries to remove toxins? ›

Elderberry Uses | Boulder Berry Farms. (1) Add berries and spices to water, heat until boiling. (2) Reduce heat to keep from a constant boil (high temperatures will destroy some of the nutrients) and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes. (3) Remove from heat and let cool.

How to remove cyanide from elderberries? ›

Simmer it for about 20 minutes; this should be enough to break down the cyanogenic compounds. But remember, you need to stir them occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. After cooking, strain the mixture using a fine-mesh sieve.

Does elderberry interact with anything? ›

Elderberry has no known severe, serious, or moderate interactions with other drugs. Elderberry has mild interactions with at least 28 different drugs.

Can you take elderberry with anything? ›

If desired, you may mix elderberry liquid with water, fruit juice, yogurt, or a smoothie. Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with elderberry does not improve, or if you have a fever for more than 3 days or cold symptoms for more than 7 days.

When not to take elderberry? ›

People who have an allergy to elder pollen might react to elderberry supplements. If you have diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, talk to your doctor before taking elderberry.

Can I take elderberry and Vitamin C together? ›

Although elderberry has a history of being used for a wide variety of health reasons, when the goal is to supplement your diet to help support your immune system with Vitamin C and Zinc, the combination of elderberry with Vitamin C and Zinc provides the antioxidant and immune system support that is more helpful than ...

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