How to make Elderberry Lemonade
This lemonade has powerful immune boosting properties. It is tart, perfectly sweet and your kids will love it!
Elderberry and lemon, two powerhouses of nature, combine to create a delicious and immune-boosting drink. Elderberries are renowned for their antiviral properties, while lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Let’s dive into how to make this refreshing and healthy beverage.
By combining these two potent ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy drink that can help you stay well, especially during cold and flu season. So, the next time you feel a cold coming on, reach for a glass of this immune-boosting elixir!
Learn how to make the Elderberry Base here!
Where Do I Source my Elderberries?
If you grow your own or have a friend or family member who does that would be most ideal and cost effective. But if you do not then I like to purchase dried elderberries through Mountain Rose Herbs or you can pick up smaller portions at your local sprouts!
Health Benefits of Elderberry and Lemon:
- Elderberry:
- Powerful antiviral properties
- Boosts immune function
- Reduces cold and flu symptoms
- Soothes sore throats
- Lemon:
- Rich in vitamin C
- Aids digestion
- Boosts immunity
Other Health Benefits of Elderberry
Elderberry is a versatile plant with a long history of medicinal use. Its berries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which can help strengthen your immune system. Studies have shown that elderberry can:
- High in vitamin C: Roughly 57% of your DV per cup of fruit
- High in dietary fiber: 36% of your DV per cup
- Phenolic acids: These compounds are potent antioxidants that can help reduce damage from oxidative stress in the body
- Flavonols: Antioxidant flavonols quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin. The flowers contain up to 10 times more flavonols than the berries
- Anthocyanins: These compounds give the fruit its characteristic dark black-purple color and are a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects
- Cancer fighting: Both European and American elder have been found to have some cancer-inhibiting properties in test-tube studies
- Anti-bacterial: Elderberry has been found to inhibit the growth of bacteria like Helicobacter pylori and may improve symptoms of sinusitis and bronchitis.
- Immune Booster!
- May have some antidepressant properties.
Tips For the Perfect Elderberry Lemonade
- Dont add Ice to the jar, only your glass. The ice will melt and dilute the lemonade.
- Start with less sugar, you can always add more but you cant take away.
- Feel free to customize with various fruit juices. I love pomegranate, tart cherry, or grape!
- You can also turn these into delicious popsicles!
Tips for Using Elderberry
- Turn it into yummy recipes: My kids love Elderberry lemonade, Elderberry gummies, Elderberry popsicles, or just plain old Elderberry syrup.
- Daily Dose: Sip on a cup of elderberry decoction daily to support your immune system year-round.
- At the First Sign of Illness: Increase your intake to 2-3 cups per day to help shorten the duration of your illness.
- For Kids: Adjust the sweetness with honey to suit your child’s taste preferences.
- Combine with Other Remedies: Elderberry can be combined with other natural remedies like vitamin C and zinc for added immune support.
How to make Elderberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- ½ Cup Elderberry Base
- 6 cups water, divided
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 cup Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice, optional
Step-by-step Instructions
- Prepare Elderberry Base: Learn how to make your own elderberry base here.
- Dissolve the sugar: Add two cups of water and 1 cup of sugar or honey to a pot, or a microwave safe container. Heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the water, sugar water, lemon juice, elderberry base, and pomegranate juice (if using) to your jar of choice and give it a good stir to combine.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Let the lemonade cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices or fresh berries.
Elderberry Lemonade
Equipment
- 1 Jar or container
Ingredients
- 6 cups water divided
- 1 cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, for extra sweetness
- 1 cup Unsweetened Pomegranate Juice optional
Instructions
- Prepare Elderberry Base: Learn how to make your own elderberry base here.
- Dissolve the sugar: Add two cups of water and 1 cup of sugar or honey to a pot, or a microwave safe container. Heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the water, sugar water, lemon juice, elderberry base, and pomegranate juice (if using) to your jar of choice and give it a good stir to combine.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Let the lemonade cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices or fresh berries.
Notes
- Dont add Ice to the jar, only your glass. The ice will melt and dilute the lemonade.
- Start with less sugar, you can always add more but you cant take away.
- Feel free to customize with various fruit juices. I love pomegranate, tart cherry, or grape!
- You can also turn these into delicious popsicles!
