American Elderberry Soda

Learn to Make a Delicious American Elderberry Soda Packed with Elderberry Benefits!

In an era of big companies promoting their commitment to health and the environment, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many people spend hours reading ingredient labels and nutritional information, only to end up confused. The truth is that even organic standards differ between imported products and those produced in the U.S. However, one thing is clear: elderberry is great for our immune system.

Today, you'll learn how to make a delightful elderberry soda using our Premium American Elderberry Juice or Cordial. Each glass contains your daily dose of elderberry. If you're looking for more recipes, check out our blog post, Elderberry Cordial; The Taste of the Season, where you’ll find three fun drink recipes featuring our cordial. You can also visit our Health & Recipes page for more ideas.

River Hills Harvest Elderberry Juice

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The Health Benefits of Elderberry

Elderberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They have been trusted for centuries for their health benefits. At River Hills Harvest, we only use American black elderberries, or Sambucus canadensis. These elderberries are native to North America and flourish across the country. Unlike some types of elderberries, they can be consumed raw, and our elderberry juice does not require boiling.

It’s important to note that if you're using imported elderberries, such as Sambucus nigra, this recipe is not suitable. Sambucus nigra elderberries must be cooked (boiled) before consuming. This elderberry soda recipe uses American elderberry juice, which can be enjoyed without boiling. Make sure to use Sambucus canadensis, American elderberries, for this recipe.

American Elderberry Soda with Fresh Blackberries

Let’s Get Started: How to Make Elderberry Soda!

This recipe is a simple and enjoyable way to experience our American Elderberry Juice or Cordial. Like many of our recipes, it allows for customization to suit your tastes. When making this soda, you may notice varying preferences among friends—especially when it comes to using lemon or lime. I recommend trying both and discovering your favorite! Personally, I prefer plain seltzer water, while others enjoy club soda, tonic water, or just plain water. The choice is yours, and the ratios remain flexible.

Another aspect you'll want to decide on is the sweetness level. Our American Elderberry Health Cordial is infused with honey for a subtle sweetness. If you prefer a milder flavor, our American Elderberry Juice allows you to add your own sweetener, such as honey or stevia.

American Elderberry Soda Recipe

Made with River Hills Harvest American Elderberry Juice or American Elderberry Cordial

Unsweetened Version with American Elderberry Juice

Makes about 1, 20-ounce glass.

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of American Elderberry Juice.

3. Incorporate 2-4 tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice.

4. Top off the glass with seltzer water.

5. Stir lightly and enjoy!

   
   

To sweeten, start with half a tablespoon of honey and adjust as needed. Mixing honey may require more stirring. To simplify, you can mix the lemon or lime juice with the honey before adding them to the glass. Alternatives include stevia, sugar, simple syrup, or lemon balm.

Sweetened Version with American Elderberry Cordial

Makes about 1, 20-ounce glass.

1. Fill a glass with ice.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of American Elderberry Cordial.

3. Incorporate 2-4 tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice.

4. Top off the glass with seltzer water.

5. Stir well and enjoy!

   
   

Bonus points if you include fresh herbs! Lemon balm adds sweetness, while thyme introduces a new flavor profile. Common herbs paired with elderberry include hibiscus, lavender, or rosemary. If you have infused apple cider vinegar, consider adding it to create an Elderberry Shrub. For more on shrubs, check out our blog post: Three Recipes to Fall Into; Honey, Vinegar, and Shrub.

If you need to grab some American Elderberry Juice or Cordial, visit our shop page. Don't hesitate to experiment with other healthy fruit juices like blueberry, tart cherry, or pomegranate. No matter what you choose, they will be a healthier option than the ones found in vending machines!

Until next time, cheers to your health!

Heather Wilson

I am Heather Wilson, of the River Hills Harvest team. My role gives me access to American elderberries in all forms. I enjoy finding new ways to incorporate them into my diet along with other natural plants and berries. With a background in greenhouse management and floral design, I also immerse myself in the art community as an artist when time permits. I love playing guitar and writing songs, and I find joy in wandering nature without a specific purpose. Life is busy, but I cherish every moment!