Description
A refreshing, immune-boosting mocktail made with homemade elderberry syrup, sparkling water, and lime. This drink is ready in 5 minutes and offers a sophisticated flavor without the caffeine or alcohol.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried elderberries (110g)
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (per serving)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (per serving)
- Lime wedges or slices for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnishes: fresh mint sprigs, rosemary needles
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, combine dried elderberries, water, allspice, sliced ginger, and peppercorns. Ensure berries are submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the liquid turns deep purple.
- Remove from heat and mash the berries against the side of the pot using a potato masher or spoon to release juice. Let steep for 10 minutes.
- Stir in honey or maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl or jar, pressing on solids to extract all flavor. Discard solids.
- Let syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight glass jar for up to 3 weeks.
- To serve, fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of elderberry syrup and 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice.
- Top with 1 cup of cold sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with lime wedge or mint and serve immediately.
Notes
Elderberries vary in tartness, so taste the syrup after adding sweetener and adjust accordingly. For a clearer syrup, strain through cheesecloth or a coffee filter. To avoid dilution, freeze elderberry syrup into ice cubes. The syrup keeps for up to 3 weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tall glass
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 15
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: elderberry syrup, mocktail, homemade syrup, immune boosting drink, caffeine-free, healthy drink, elderberry sparkler, non-alcoholic cocktail