In a large pot, combine berries and 2 cups water.

Turn on low heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, just enough for the berries to release all of their juices.

Use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to crush the berries and release the juice.

Once the berries have been thoroughly crushed, strain them through cheese cloth or a fine mesh sieve, saving the juice. You may press gently to speed up this process, but you may find a few seeds in your syrup.

Discard the crushed berries.

Return the elderberry extract to the pot, add honey and herbs. Try cardamom, or turmeric for medicinal purposes, cloves are also great.

Turn on low heat and just barely simmer for 5-10 minutes. You may add more water to dilute the syrup if you desire. (I add about 1 cup of water more, but this isn't necessary.)

Once the sugar is dissolved,transfer the syrup to small mason jars. Refrigerate for up to three months (maybe even longer). Can also be frozen in ice cube trays to last throughout the season!