Elderberry tincture is considered one of the best home preventative remedies for immune support seasonal illnesses. Learn to make elderberry tincture using just two simple ingredients!
Keyword elderberry, tincture
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Extraction Period 42 daysdays
Total Time 42 daysdays10 minutesminutes
Servings 8ounces
Author Suzan Ferreira
Equipment
1 Jar with lid
Ingredients
1+ CupElderberries (fresh, dried, or frozen)
10+ouncesVodka (80 proof) or other solvent
Instructions
~ Fill the quart mason (or any size jar you choose) jar 1/3 to 1/2 of the way with dried or 1/2 of the way with fresh berries. Optionally, you may want to give the berries a slight smoosh with the back of a large kitchen knife to expose more of the berry to the solvent.
~ Pour 80 proof (40%) vodka into the jar until almost to the top. Vodka imparts no flavor and you can use the cheapest you can find. Only edible spirits should be used, see note below. Leave at least a 1 inch headspace.
~ Cover with a lid using a plastic mason jar cover (like these) or use waxed paper between any metal lid you may use, give a good gentle shake and place in a dark cupboard for at least 6 weeks at a minimum, and up to 6 months
~ Strain all plant material from the liquid using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Give the berries a good squeeze or using the back of a large spoon, press to remove as much of the beneficial properties from the berries as possible. Compost or discard the berry material.
~ Pour into dark amber colored dropper bottles (like these) for storage.
~ Label the bottle with the content and date the bottled tincture. Store in a dark cupboard indefinitely for use.
Notes
Should you notice the berries have absorbed the majority of the liquid during the extraction period, remove the lid and simply pour additional solvent to the jar, covering the berries.