Sweet Elderberry Vinegar Recipe

I have been sharing a range of different elderberry and elderflower recipes that I’ve made along my journey of learning about the herbal properties and benefits of the elder. This time I share a Sweet Elderberry Vinegar recipe.

Use this Sweet Elderberry Vinegar as a delicious alternative to balsamic vinegar and enjoy all the health benefits of elderberries at the same time. Elderberries help maintain normal, healthy functioning of our immune system and to promote resilience when our bodies are particularly stressed. They are also full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and flavonoids. You can take a tablespoon a day to boost the immune system or you can try the Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe below.

I’ve previously shared a recipe for Elderberry Vinegar. This one is similar but sugar is added and then it is reduced to form a thick syrupy vinegar very similar to balsamic vinegar. The amount the recipe makes will depend on how much you reduce the vinegar.

1 cup dried elderberries
2 cups apple cider vinegar
3 cups sugar

Put the elderberries and vinegar into a non-reactive pot and bring to a simmer over a low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove from the heat and when cooled enough to handle, transfer to a glass jar (with a lid) and leave to steep for 3 weeks).

Strain through a jelly bag over a large pot or bowl, leaving it for several hours or overnight. You can use cheesecloth, tie it and hang it up instead.

Measure the resulting liquid and put into a pan. For every cup of liquid add 1 cup of sugar.

Stir over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

Bring slowly to the boil and boil for 10 minutes (15 minutes if you want a syrupy vinegar but not too long as you don’t want it to set).

Skim off any scum that has formed on the surface.

Pour into hot, sterilized bottles and seal. Leave for a couple of weeks to mature before using.

Store in a cool, dry place.

Elderberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe

4 tbsp Sweet Elderberry Vinegar
4 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt + pepper to taste

Put all the ingredients into a jar and shake vigorously until well combined.