Fall Mocktails: Elderberry Edition
By: Laura Murphy Owner/ Head Herbalist of Velvet Roots Apothecary
As we enter the fall and winter season, we start to shift our focus to different herbal remedies for support. Elderberry syrup is a trusted ally for boosting the immune system, but it's not just limited to that. Did you know that elderberries can also be the perfect base for refreshing cocktails and mocktails?
Elderberry syrup is considered a staple in an herbalist's apothecary, known for its ability to reduce the duration of colds and flus. In fact, a placebo-controlled, double-blind study showed that 93.3% of individuals treated with elderberry for flu symptoms saw significant improvement within just two days. (Zakay-Rones et al.,1995)
My journey with herbal mocktails started 5 years ago when I chose to travel down the path of living alcohol free. As someone who has always been intrigued by the world of terpenes and flavonoids, the chance to discover new and flavorful ways to use herbs brought me pure joy. I started with simple syrups made of lavender for my lemonades and teas then elderflower cordials during the summer, and then experimented with adaptogen mocktail recipes with kava tinctures and elderberry syrup for Christmas parties.
I am not a mixologist, but I have recently discovered that I am here to inspire. I hope that this recipe - using our DIY Elderberry Kit with or with CBD, motivates you to explore herbs and spices in a way you never have before.
*Adding CBD into drinks can help promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and alleviate pain and inflammation.
"Gin inspired" Elderberry Syrup Mocktail:
Prep time 10 mins Total time 10 mins
Ingredients:
2 TBSP Velvet Roots Elderberry syrup
2 TBSP Juniper Berry Aromatic Decoction (Optional)
1/4 cup Orange Juice
Tonic Water to top
Rosemary sprigs
Crushed Ice
Instructions:
After making Velvet Roots DIY elderberry syrup, put in fridge and Let Cool.
Next, add 1 tbsp of Juniper berries to 8oz of water on stove bring to boil, then let simmer for 15mins.
Strain berries and set in fridge to cool.
Once cooled it's time to make your mocktail, muddle rosemary into glass just a bit to release aromatics and flavors and then rim the glass with sprigs.
Add your ice and 2TBSP of VRA's elderberry syrup along with 2TBSP of your aromatic decoction to your glass.
Pour 1/4c of orange juice and top your mixture with tonic water.
Stir, top with garnishes and enjoy!
"Mule Inspired" Elderberry Syrup Mocktail:
Prep time 10 mins Total time 10 mins
Ingredients:
2 TBSP Velvet Roots Elderberry Syrup
A few Cranberries 1/4 cup club soda 3-4 mint leaves Ginger Beer to top Crushed Ice
Instructions:
After making Velvet Roots DIY elderberry syrup put in fridge and let cool.
Once cooled its time to make your mocktail, muddle mint into glass just a bit to release aromatics and flavor along with a couple cranberries then rim the glass with the mint.
Add 2TBSP of the cooled elderberry syrup to glass.
Add club soda.
Add your ice pour in ginger beer.
Stir, top with your garnishes and enjoy!
*These statements have not been approved by the FDA, are for educational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease