Here is my favorite elderberry syrup lollipops recipe, with a simple homemade elderberry syrup base, honey for sweetness, and just a few ingredients to create these tasty throat-soothing treats.
These lollipops are a lifesaver in our house during cold season. I make a big batch and keep them in the pantry so the kids can grab one whenever they feel a scratchy throat coming on. Way better than store-bought cough drops, right?
Why You’ll Love These Elderberry Syrup Lollipops
- Only two ingredients – You just need elderberry syrup and raw honey to make these healthy treats – no complicated ingredient list or special shopping required.
- Natural immune support – These lollipops give you all the benefits of elderberry syrup in a fun, kid-friendly form that makes taking your daily dose feel like a treat.
- Quick and easy – In under an hour, you can have homemade lollipops ready to go, and most of that time is just waiting for them to set.
- Perfect for kids – Getting children to take their elderberry syrup becomes so much easier when it’s shaped like candy they actually want to eat.
- No artificial ingredients – Unlike store-bought candy, these lollipops are made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about giving to your family.
What Kind of Elderberry Syrup Should I Use?
For these lollipops, you’ll want to use a high-quality organic elderberry syrup that’s thick and concentrated rather than watery. Store-bought elderberry syrups work perfectly fine, but if you have homemade syrup, that’s even better since you can control the consistency and sweetness. Look for syrups that list elderberries as the first ingredient and avoid ones with too many added sugars, since you’re already adding honey to the recipe. The thicker your elderberry syrup, the easier it will be to achieve that perfect lollipop consistency without having to cook it down for too long.
Options for Substitutions
While this simple recipe only has two ingredients, there are a few ways you can customize it:
- Elderberry syrup: If you can’t find elderberry syrup, you can make your own by simmering dried elderberries with water and straining, or substitute with other immune-supporting syrups like echinacea or black currant syrup for similar benefits.
- Raw honey: Regular honey works fine if raw isn’t available, though you’ll lose some of the natural enzymes. For a vegan option, try maple syrup or agave nectar, but note that the texture and setting time may be slightly different – you might need to cook the mixture a bit longer to reach the hard crack stage.
- Sweetener ratio: If your elderberry syrup is already quite sweet, you can reduce the honey to ¾ cup and test the flavor. Conversely, if you prefer sweeter lollipops, add an extra ¼ cup of honey.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when making elderberry syrup lollipops is not reaching the proper hard crack stage (300-310°F), which will leave you with sticky, chewy candies instead of crisp lollipops – invest in a candy thermometer and don’t rush this step. Another common error is working too slowly once the mixture reaches temperature, since honey-based candy hardens quickly and you’ll end up with a mess in your pan if you don’t pour it into molds immediately. To avoid air bubbles ruining your lollipops, gently tap your molds after pouring and work in a dry environment since humidity can make your candies sticky. Finally, resist the urge to remove the lollipops from their molds too early – let them cool completely for at least 30 minutes, or they’ll crack and break apart when you try to unmold them.
What to Serve With Elderberry Syrup Lollipops?
These elderberry lollipops are perfect on their own as a sweet treat or natural remedy, but they pair nicely with a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or ginger when you’re feeling under the weather. I love keeping a few in my purse during cold season and giving them to the kids after school as a healthier alternative to regular candy. They also make great additions to a cozy sick-day care package alongside some homemade chicken soup and crackers. Since they’re made with honey and elderberry syrup, they’re sweet enough to satisfy any sugar craving while still giving you those immune-boosting benefits.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: Store your elderberry lollipops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. I like to wrap each one individually in cellophane or parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to maintain their shape and flavor.
Refrigerate: If your kitchen gets pretty warm or humid, pop these lollipops in the fridge to keep them firm. They’ll last up to a month this way and won’t get sticky or soft. Just let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying if you prefer them at room temperature.
Make Ahead: These are perfect for making ahead during cold season! I often make a big batch when elderberries are in season and store them for the whole family. They’re great to have on hand when someone feels under the weather or just wants a healthy sweet treat.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1600-1800
- Protein: 1-3 g
- Fat: 0-0 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-450 g
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup elderberry syrup
- 1/4 cup honey (local for best flavor)
Step 1: Combine Elderberry Syrup and Honey
- ½ cup organic elderberry syrup
- ¼ cup unfiltered raw honey
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of organic elderberry syrup and ¼ cup of unfiltered raw honey.
Place the saucepan over low heat and stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and the honey has melted into the syrup.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture to Candy Stage
- Elderberry syrup and honey mixture from Step 1
Increase the heat to medium and attach a candy thermometer to the pot, making sure the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom.
Stir the mixture occasionally and monitor the temperature closely.
Allow the mixture to heat until it reaches exactly 300°F (150°C), which should take about 30 minutes.
I find patience here really pays off—do not rush this process or the candy might not set properly.
Step 3: Cool Briefly and Mold Lollipops
- Cooked elderberry and honey mixture from Step 2
Once the mixture reaches 300°F and begins to rise a bit beyond that, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Let the mixture cool for just one or two minutes.
Pour the hot syrup carefully into lollipop molds and immediately insert lollipop sticks.
Take care at this stage to avoid burns—this syrup is very hot!
Step 4: Let the Lollipops Harden
Allow the lollipops to cool and harden in the molds for several hours or overnight.
This will ensure they completely set and easily release from the molds.
I like to let them sit overnight so they are extra solid and don’t stick.
Step 5: Unmold and Store Lollipops
Once the lollipops are fully hardened, carefully remove them from the molds.
Store the finished lollipops in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
