1 cup dried elderberries (or 2 cups fresh) ~ available at Mountain Rose Herbs
2 tablespoons rose hips
2 cinnamon sticks
5 cloves
1 teaspoon dried ginger or one inch peeled fresh ginger
1/4 vanilla bean

4 cups water

2 cups honey

Over medium-low heat simmer the elderberries, rose hips, cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger, vanilla bean and water.  Simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until liquid is thick and syrupy and reduced by half.   While the mixture is still warm (or the elderberries will absorb all of your syrup!) strain the syrup through a sieve.  Combine with honey and store in an airtight container (I use a mason jar) in the refrigerator.

1-2 teaspoons a day is recommended to help prevent illness.  Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year of age, due to the very small risk of botulism.