We all know we should be drinking elderberry syrup.  It helps boost your immunity, and dammit, can just taste good.  But, how?  I’ve had people ask a variety of questions on how to actually ingest this magical elixir.  Most important to remember is that elderberries always need to be cooked, at least 30 minutes to avoid poisoning yourself.

Top 5 Ways To Drink Elderberry Syrup

5 – Knock it back like a shot:  This works for parents and kids alike.  If your kids like sugar, they’ll like this recipe for elderberry syrup.  I like putting the dosage for each person in a shot glass.  Both of my kids will gobble it down eagerly and sometimes beg for more.  Chanting “shot, shot, shot” is optional.

4 – Turn it in to candy: You know, sometimes kids aren’t quite ready for shots, or you aren’t ready for the visual (totally not a problem at my house) so the next best option is gummy treats.  This recipe for gummy treats from one of the smartest, Wellness Mama, is great.  You’ll need to make the syrup first, but then turn it into awesome treats! We really like these molds, of course available from Amazon.

3 – Pancake syrup: I like to call this one, two birds, one stone.  If you boil down your elderberry syrup, it’ll be the perfect companion to pancakes.  Talk about a breakfast of champions!

2 – Champagne cocktail: An elderberry champagne cocktail says, I care about my health and I like things to taste good.  This mixes best with a dry champagne, like a brut (our favorite is Andre Brut).  We’d recommend 5 ounces of champagne to 1 ounce of elderberry syrup.  Or mix to taste.

1 – Elderberry compound butter: Mash syrup (cooked down) with butter, basil and orange zest.  You can add to your morning muffin, pancakes or eat it directly from your butter knife in your mouth.  That’s my daughter’s play – she likes her butter straight.

What’s your favorite way to consumer elderberry syrup?  Tell us by commenting below or continuing the conversation on the Bleeping Motherhood Facebook page.