An elderberry cocktail that will boost your immune system with a sweet flavor. Elderberry syrup with lemon juice and vodka for a little kick, topped with ginger ale.

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Hey There! How are you feeling? I hope the answer is great! That hasn’t been the case for most of the people around me. It’s that time of year and the flu is making its way through my friends and family. Now that I think about it, my throat has been a little scratchy lately. Immune boosting starts now!

Since I was old enough to drink, my mom would share her little cold kicking secret with me whenever I said I wasn’t feeling well. She will say…

“Well, make sure to do the three Bs!” It’s her go-to, that and Listerine. Seriously, she is like the dad from My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Have an ear ache? Gargle with Listerine!

The three Bs stand for; Hot bath, shot of booze, and bed.

As funny as this may sound…it actually works. The hot bath raises your core temperature which studies have shown helps your immune system. A little bit of alcohol can dilate the blood cells which can make it easier for your sinuses to handle the infection. And bed well, that one is pretty obvious. Sleep is king when it comes to fighting a cold.

This elderberry cocktail was inspired by my mom’s immune-boosting secret and my go-to cold kicker elderberry syrup. It always helps stop my cold in its tracks and give my body the boost it needs to get better.

These two concepts together created this immune-boosting cocktail that not only helps kick that cold but is so delicious.

The star of this drink is obviously the elderberry syrup. I will usually purchase my elderberry syrup but you can make your own, here is a great tutorial on how to do that.

Elderberry syrup has a lovely sweet flavor with the slightest vinegar aftertaste. I mixed it with lemon juice which is packed full of Vitamin C to also help boost your immune system.

Of course, I had to add that second B in there! Booze! Vodka was an obvious choice for me as it would mix very easily with the syrup and lemon juice, but I think you cold use other alcohols if desired. Gin or even whiskey could be great.

Lastly, it is topped with ginger ale to add a little sweetness that cuts through the zing from the lemon and adds a little fizziness to the cocktail. Also, ginger is anti-bacterial so it aids the immune system too. Plus, it can sooth an upset tummy.

During my test run of this drink, I was very curious to taste the outcome. I was presently surprised with how good it is! The flavors mix so well together and is not overly sweet.

The lemon juice and elderberry syrup complement each other as they both have a little zip of flavor. The ginger ale cuts through with its sweetness and creates a drink that you can easily sip on while taking your hot bath. Or anywhere else for that matter!

So, if you are feeling the cold symptoms coming, or even if you just need a break. Draw that bath, get out your cocktail shaker and get a good night’s sleep!