This 2-Ingredient Mocktail Is Packed With Antioxidants

As summer comes to an end, I've made a huge discovery. Although this past year was particularly sniffly, my immune system felt supported and strong all year long—and I made only one major change in my routine. 

This year, I started taking Gaia Herbs Black Elderberry Syrup, an immune-supporting syrup with just five ingredients and a slightly tart flavor that easily mixes into mocktails or smoothies (just ask Gisele).* 

While most people turn to zinc or vitamin C chews, I knew they would be yet another supplement discarded in the back of my pantry. Instead, I was drawn to the versatility of this elderberry-backed formula.

Black elderberries, more formally known as Sambucus nigra, are native to parts of Europe, Western Asia, North America, and North Africa. 

The immune-supporting properties of these blue-black gems have been hailed for centuries (hence the "elder" in their name).* And lucky for us, they taste delicious. 

If you're like me, the first thing you'll notice about anything elderberry is its unique color. This aubergine-esque hue comes from the high levels of flavonoids present in elderberries, called anthocyanins1. 

These anthocyanins are full of antioxidants, which help to scavenge free radicals and support our body's natural defense system1.*

Each serving of Gaia's Elderberry Syrup equates to 14.5 grams of fresh elderberries—so you can skip the trek to the farm.

In herbalism, it's best practice to grow and harvest plants in their native habitat. Gaia Herbs sources Black Elderberries from a European growing cooperative based in Austria, called Haschberg Elderberries.

Because it has a taste that's reminiscent of fruit compote (or let's just say it: dessert), I never forget to take this syrup. The texture is thicker, with a consistency similar to maple syrup—which I've found makes it ideal as a topping.

I keep the syrup at the front of the fridge as a reminder and mix it with flavored sparkling water as an afternoon mocktail to sip while I'm cooking or winding down. With its tart juicy flavor and deep color, I feel like I’m drinking something special—because I am.

My ideal recipe for the two-ingredient cocktail is about 6 ounces of sparkling water mixed with a single serving of Elderberry Syrup (1 teaspoon). Simply mix and add ice for the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.