Cold Fighting Elderberry Cider

Tis the season. Cold season that is. In our house, it sometimes feels like a revolving door of who is sick. With two kids, as soon as one is better, the other one isn’t feeling well. For years I have been using an elderberry cordial made from brandy, but to help close the door, I started using apple cider vinegar to make the cordial instead so my kids could freely enjoy it while boosting their immune system. Made from warming spices and elderberries, this cider is packed with vitamins to give your immune system a boost.

My kids and I enjoy the elderberry cider added to our water for added flavor or made into a soothing hot tea in the evening. We use it on a regular basis to help keep the colds at bay, which means we usually have a batch “brewing” at all times since it takes a couple of weeks to extract the flavor and vitamins from the spices and berries. I typically don’t add honey to the finished cider but rather leave that to the individual and how it is being used. When we make tea with it, that is usually where we add a tablespoon or two of honey. I encourage you to experiment with the cider and find your preference.

You can use the cider for more than drinking too. It makes a wonderful tangy spiced winter salad dressing. Also experiment with the spices and adjust them to your liking. Below is a list of the herbs and spices that we use and a brief description of their benefits as well as a recipe to get you started.

Herbs and Spices Benefits

Elderberry: Enhance your body's immune system.

Cinnamon: Sooths irritating coughs and dissolves mucus.

Allspice: High in vitamins to help fight colds while enhancing nutrient intake throughout the body.

Star Anise: Supports the building of healthier cells in your body with antiviral properties.

Cardamom: Decongestant and helps clear mucus from lungs.

Hawthorn Berries: Promoted blood flow to the heart.

Ginger: Helps increase circulation and reduce mucus congestion.

Fenugreek: Aids in reducing inflammation in the mouth, sinus, throat, and lungs to sooth sore throats and coughs.

Clove: Aids in expelling bacteria-infected mucus and help open sinuses.

Recipe:

Tools:                  
64oz Mason Jar
Parchment paper

Ingredients:           
Dried elderberries        6oz
Allspice berries            1T
Hawthorn berries        1T
Fenugreek                    1T
Whole cloves               1tsp
Cinnamon sticks          1-2
Cardamom seeds        15
Fresh ginger (sliced)   1” (or 1T dried ginger)
Apple cider vinegar     60oz (may not need all)
Honey                            to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a mason jar.

2. Pour in apple cider vinegar, leaving about 1” space at the top.

3. Stir to mix.

4. Cover jar with a large piece of parchment paper, folding edges over the top. Secure with the ring or a rubber band (avoid metal lids to prevent corrosion).

5. Store in a dark place for about two weeks, checking periodically.

6. After soaking, strain and transfer cider to a clean, non-metal container. Add honey to taste if desired.

7. Store the finished cider in a dark space.
   

The information for the benefits of herbs and spices is intended for education purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical advice or treatment.