For Thanksgiving, order by November 24 with express shipping.  Shop Thanksgiving.

Renew, sign up, or gift a subscription to Magnolia Journal for inspiration year-round. Start here.

Curate spaces for joy to unfold. Shop the holiday collection.

Elizabeth Poett's Elderberry Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)

Elderberry Spritzer (Non-Alcoholic)

byElizabeth Poett
Total 25 mins, includes cooling time
Active 10 mins
Makes 10 to 12 servings
This is a very refreshing drink. It is fun to keep this beautiful simple syrup in your refrigerator to make spritzers all week. The deep red and purple color and elderberry flavor transform a little sparkling water into a festive, special drink.
TIP: The elderberries for the syrup should be ripe. Only the berries themselves are edible, so you must remove every bit of stem and leaf.
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup fresh elderberries, washed and destemmed (only use the berries)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 liter unflavored sparkling water
  • 2 lemons, cut into wedges
    Directions
    1. In a medium saucepan, combine the elderberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Use a spoon to mash the elderberries against the sides of the saucepan. When the sugar is dissolved and liquid is dark red or purple, turn off the heat. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof container. Discard the solids. Cover the syrup and refrigerate to cool.
    2. Fill drinking glasses with ice, add 1/4 cup syrup to each glass, and pour sparkling water over the top to fill each glass. Squeeze a lemon wedge into each glass and enjoy.