Apple Cider Punch with Elderberry
As temperatures drop and cold and flu season sets in, many of us are looking for ways to support our wellness. That's where elderberry comes in—a longtime herbal favorite gaining attention for its immune-supporting properties.
Elderberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which may help reduce the duration and severity of colds when incorporated into your diet. While sipping an elderberry-infused punch isn’t a cure, combining it with warming flavors like cinnamon and fresh apple and pear makes for a delicious, healthful daily ritual.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Apple Cider Punch
- 3 oz. apple cider
- 3 oz. pear juice
- 1/2 oz. cinnamon simple syrup
- 2 tsp. elderberry syrup or extract
- Ice
- Apple and pear slices, for garnish
Instructions
Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, heat the water over medium-high heat. Add the sugar, and stir until dissolved.
- Remove from the heat and add the cinnamon stick. Let steep for 30 minutes to 3 hours. (Keep in mind that the longer the cinnamon steeps, the stronger the cinnamon flavor will be.)
- Once steeped, strain the syrup into a mason jar and keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks until you’re ready to mix your drink.
Make the Punch
- In a glass, pour in equal measurements of apple cider and pear juice.
- Stir in the cinnamon simple syrup and elderberry syrup.
- Add ice and garnish with thinly sliced pear and apple slices.
- Serve immediately, and enjoy one a day.
Tips
- Make the cinnamon simple syrup in advance.
- Turn this into a crowd-pleaser by combining the cider, pear juice, and syrup in a pitcher—then let guests add their own elderberry syrup to suit their serving size.
- Slice apple and pear garnishes in advance and toss them with a bit of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh.