You might be surprised by how many ways you can enjoy elderberry syrup beyond taking it straight from the bottle.
When most people think about elderberry syrup, they probably picture taking a spoonful and putting the bottle right back in the refrigerator.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But after making elderberry syrup at The Syrup Shop for years, I've discovered there are so many other delicious ways to use it.
Our Elderberry Syrup is made in small batches with elderberries, herbs and local honey, giving it a rich berry flavor that works surprisingly well with foods and drinks you may already enjoy every day.
Here are seven of my favorites.
1. Add It to a Yogurt Bowl
This may be one of my favorite ways to turn something simple into something special.
Start with Greek yogurt and add your favorite toppings. Berries, banana, granola, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts all work beautifully.
Then drizzle a little elderberry syrup over the top.
It adds sweetness and berry flavor without having to completely change what you're already eating.
Try this: Greek yogurt + strawberries + blueberries + banana + granola + elderberry syrup.
2. Stir It Into Oatmeal
If oatmeal is part of your morning routine, try stirring elderberry syrup into your bowl after cooking.
Add fresh berries, banana, cinnamon, nuts or seeds and you've got an easy breakfast that feels a little less ordinary.
You can also swirl the syrup over the top instead of mixing it completely into the oatmeal.
3. Blend It Into a Smoothie
This is an especially easy one.
Make your smoothie as usual and add elderberry syrup along with the other ingredients.
Berry smoothies are an obvious pairing, but don't be afraid to experiment.
Try frozen blueberries, strawberries or mixed berries with Greek yogurt, your choice of milk and a splash of elderberry syrup.
4. Make Elderberry Sparkling Water
This might be the easiest drink on the list.
Pour sparkling water over ice, add elderberry syrup and give it a stir.
That's it.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime, a few berries or a sprig of mint when you want to dress it up.
It's also a simple non-alcoholic drink to serve when you're entertaining.
5. Add It to Hot or Iced Tea
Elderberry syrup works beautifully in both hot and cold tea.
Brew your favorite herbal tea and stir in a little elderberry syrup instead of your usual sweetener, or pour brewed tea over ice and add the syrup once it's cooled.
A squeeze of lemon makes a great addition.
6. Create an Elderberry Mocktail
You don't need a complicated recipe to make a beautiful drink.
Start with elderberry syrup, add sparkling water or another favorite mixer, squeeze in some fresh citrus and pour it over ice.
Add fresh berries, orange slices, lemon or herbs for garnish.
It's simple enough to make at home but pretty enough to serve at a party.
7. Keep It Simple
And finally, there's the way most of us started.
Straight from the spoon.
Sometimes you don't need to turn it into anything at all.
Shake the bottle, pour your usual serving and enjoy.
Find Your Favorite Way
One of the things I love about elderberry syrup is how easy it is to incorporate into foods and drinks you're already making.
You don't have to create another complicated routine.
Put it in your yogurt. Stir it into oatmeal. Blend it into your smoothie. Make yourself a sparkling drink.
Or just grab a spoon.
At The Syrup Shop, we've been handcrafting our Elderberry Syrup in small batches since 2019, and I still love finding new ways to enjoy it.
How do you use yours?