Sweet, tangy and full of benefits — this easy elderberry vinegar is the perfect gift to share health and wellness this season. 

Ok, confession time. Do homemade gifts intimidate you? I get it. The holiday season usually has us running in twenty different directions. School concerts, cookie swaps, wrapping gifts at midnight because it’s the only time the house is quiet. Adding “make homemade gifts” to a to-do list that’s already filled feels crazy.

That used to be me. I loved the idea of homemade gifts, but doubted I had the time or creativity. One year, I finally decided to give it a try, and it has since become my favorite new tradition. 

Creating something meaningful in the middle of the holiday whirlwind felt grounding and surprisingly joyful. There is something magical about gifts that come from your kitchen, made with your own hands.

Last winter, I tried my hand at this elderberry vinegar, and I was shocked at how many people absolutely loved it — teachers, neighbors and friends. Even that one relative who never reacts to anything gave it a big thumbs-up. The beautiful color, the sweet-tangy flavor, the immune-boosting benefits — it all comes together in a way that feels both festive and practical.

Pour it into a pretty glass bottle, tie on some ribbon and add a handwritten tag. Now, you suddenly have a heartfelt holiday gift that looks fancy without being complicated.

If you aren’t already convinced… here are a few more reasons this will become one of your favorite seasonal staples.

Why You’ll Love This Elderberry Vinegar

Whether you’re gifting it to loved ones or keeping a bottle in your own kitchen, this elderberry vinegar is such a special way to share wellness during the colder months.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Packed with naturally immune-supporting elderberries

• Has the perfect blend of sweet and tangy

• A thoughtful, easy and inexpensive homemade gift

• Made with clean, wholesome ingredients

• Takes only minutes to prep, but tastes like it took hours

It’s a recipe that makes you look like you have everything under control, even when you’re wrapping gifts at the last possible moment. Trust me, this little bottle has saved me more than once.

How to Use Elderberry Vinegar

One of the reasons this vinegar is so fun is that it fits into almost everything you’re already making. I love recipes that multitask, especially during the winter when immune support is extra important.

Here are a few favorite ways to use it:

• Drizzle over fresh greens or roasted vegetables

• Mix with olive oil for a simple, flavorful vinaigrette

• Add to chicken, pork or beef marinades

• Pour over mixed berries or yogurt for a bright, tangy topping

• Splash into sparkling water for a fun mocktail
  

It adds this beautiful depth of flavor that tastes like something you’d order from a cozy farm-to-table café.

Now let’s grab what you’ll need to make your first batch.

Grab These Ingredients

One of the best parts about this recipe is how few ingredients you need. It’s quick, nourishing and so easy that you’ll probably memorize it after your first time.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Elderberry Queen Organic Elderberry Syrup

• 1 ½ cups raw apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Local Raw Honey

Each ingredient brings something special. The elderberry syrup gives your vinegar that gorgeous color and immune-supporting benefits. The apple cider vinegar adds probiotics and tang. The honey softens everything with a gentle sweetness.

Three ingredients. Zero fuss. Big payoff.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Making this elderberry vinegar is seriously simple. This is the perfect recipe to make while your kids are doing homework, the baby is napping or you’re sipping a cup of tea.

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a clean glass jar.

2. Close tightly and shake gently until everything blends together.

3. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks. Give it a shake every couple of days.

4. Once the flavors have infused, pour the vinegar into a clean bottle or jar.

5. Label, gift or enjoy, whatever your heart desires.

That’s it. No cooking, no stove, and definitely no mess. The hardest part is waiting for it to infuse because you’ll want to use it right away.

What to do With Leftovers

One of my favorite things about this vinegar is that it lasts a long time, which makes it the perfect “make-ahead and forget it” recipe.

Storage Tips:

• Keep it in a sealed glass bottle or jar

• Store in a cool, dark cupboard or pantry

• Refrigerate for the longest freshness, up to 3 months

• Shake gently before each use

It’s a great pantry staple during fall and winter, especially when everyone is looking for ways to stay healthy.

A Toast to Wellness and Holiday Cheer

There’s something so grounding about slowing down and making something simple and nourishing during the busiest season of the year. This elderberry vinegar is sweet, tangy and packed with wellness benefits, but even more than that, it carries meaning.

A homemade gift says:

“I took time for you.”

“I care about your health.”

“I wanted to share something special.”

Whether you make a batch for gifting or keep it tucked in your kitchen for everyday use, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

If you haven’t already grabbed what you need, here’s what I recommend keeping on hand this season:

• Organic Elderberry Syrup:  the star of this recipe

• Local Raw Honey: pure, delicious and nutrient-rich

If you’re in the mood for more cozy, homemade holiday goodness, try a few of our other favorites:

• Spiced Elderberry Hot Cocoa

• Festive Peppermint Yogurt Bark

• Hot Chocolate Cookies

• Elderberry Glazed Ham

Hope you enjoyed this recipe, and the ones to come!