Made with elderberry syrup and a few simple ingredients, this elderberry popsicle recipe will not only strengthen your immune system but also keep you and your kiddos hydrated during the hot summer days or in times of sickness. They’re easy to make, even easier to modify, and undeniably delicious.
It’s pretty obvious by now that I’m a big fan of elderberry. I almost always have some homemade elderberry syrup in my fridge. We take it daily during the cold and flu season and double it up any time symptoms arise in our home.
Sometimes I like to switch it up with how I take elderberry (and more importantly, how I get my toddler to take it).
Cue this elderberry popsicle recipe! It’s a must for giving your immune system the vitamins, electrolytes, and antioxidants it needs all year round. And even better, it’s a sure hit with the kids.
It comes together in minutes, and stores for months in the freezer, making it the ultimate (and tastiest) way to get in the amazing health benefits of elderberry syrup.
What Is Elderberry Syrup?
Elderberry syrup is made when you cook down elderberries, which are the berries that grow from the elder bush, or Sambucus nigra.
This plant grows throughout most of temperate North America, Europe, and Asia, and people have been using it as medicine for centuries.
The berries, along with spices and herbs, are cooked down to create juice. Honey (or another sweetener) is added to the juice, turning it into a syrup and increasing its shelf life.
Impressive health benefits of elderberry:
- High in vitamin C and vitamin A, which have antioxidant properties to help prevent cell damage (great for immunity and skin health)
- Packed with anthocyanins and flavonoids, which are natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic compounds that give the berries their rich purple color
- High in vitamin B6, essential for both the nervous and immune systems
- Contains iron, necessary for healthy blood and immune cell production
If you want to learn more about the amazing health benefits of elderberry and its effectiveness in fighting off infections, you can read about it here (and how to make it yourself).
Why You’ll Love This Elderberry Popsicle Recipe
- Packed full of antioxidants and electrolytes
- Great for building immunity in cold or warm weather
- A tasty way to boost your kids’ immune system and keep them hydrated when they’re sick
- Easily modify with whatever juices you prefer or have on hand
- Make in advance and store in the freezer for months for whenever you need them
How To Make Elderberry Popsicles
Ingredients
- Elderberry syrup – you can learn how to easily make it at home with my recipe, or buy it online here.
- Cranberry Juice – contains one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit, and is naturally anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
- Orange Juice – one of the top vitamin C foods and is rich in antioxidants, potassium, and folate
- Raw Honey – antioxidant powerhouse and full of natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes (it’s a superfood for a reason!)
- Sea salt – rich in trace minerals and key electrolytes, like magnesium, calcium, and potassium
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl with a spout and stir until well combined.
2. Pour mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
3. Place in the freezer and allow to freeze until firm, about 5 hours.
4. Once frozen, run the mold under warm water for 30 seconds to easily remove popsicles and enjoy.
5. During times of illness, 1-2 popsicles per day is the recommended elderberry dosage for adults (1 for children per day).
Substitutions
- Substitute the juices for whatever you prefer or have on hand. Unsweetened is recommended and freshly squeezed is best.
- Swap in maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan or baby-safe alternative.
More Elderberry Recipes
Elderberry Popsicles
Made with elderberry syrup and a few simple ingredients, this elderberry popsicle recipe will not only strengthen your immune system but also keep you and your kiddos hydrated during the hot summer days or in times of sickness. They're easy to make, even easier to modify, and undeniably delicious.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons elderberry syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
- 3/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoon raw honey
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large measuring cup or mixing bowl with a spout and stir until well combined.
- Pour mixture into popsicle molds and insert sticks.
- Place in the freezer and allow to freeze until firm, about 5 hours.
- Once frozen, run the mold under warm water for 30 seconds to easily remove popsicles and enjoy.
- During times of illness, 1-2 popsicles per day is the recommended elderberry dosage for adults (1 for children per day).
Notes
Important: This recipe contains honey, which is not safe for infants under 1 to consume as it may cause infant botulism.
Swap in maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan or baby-safe alternative.
Substitute juices for any you prefer or have on hand. Unsweetened is recommended, and freshly squeezed is best.
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FAQs
Are Elderberry Popsicles Safe For Kids to Eat?
Yes, elderberry popsicles are safe and healthy for kids to eat. There are special considerations to take if your child is under 1 year old.
If your elderberry syrup contains honey, it is not safe for infants under 1 to consume as it may cause infant botulism.
This serious illness results from Clostridium botulinum, a toxin-producing bacteria that can sometimes be found in honey and that infants are unable to fight against.
If your infant is eating solid foods and you want them to receive all the immune benefits, it is generally safe for children over 6 months of age to consume cooked elderberries and their products (with no honey added).
If you are buying your elderberry syrup, make sure to check the ingredients.
I highly recommend making your elderberry syrup at home so you can control the ingredients and flavor (and it’s super easy to make).
Are Elderberry Popsicles Safe To Eat During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding?
Currently, there is very limited research reported on the use of elderberries during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
At this time, it is recommended to avoid elderberry and its products while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Who Should Avoid Eating Elderberry Popsicles?
If you are on prescribed medications, please speak with your healthcare provider before consuming elderberry products.
As elderberries have immune-stimulating properties, they may interfere with medications taken to suppress the immune system.
Elderberries also have a natural diuretic effect, so speak with your healthcare provider if you are taking medications that increase your urination.
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