These Vitamin C Packed Elderberry Tea Bombs are loaded with incredible nutrients and super easy to make! Perfect for boosting your immune system during cold and flu season or when you’re craving a nourishing tea. The best part? They store well in the freezer and when you’re ready to enjoy, just grab one, drop it in your favorite mug, and pour in hot water for an instant, delicious sip!
My Elderberry Bomb recipe is going viral on TikTok and Instagram—and for good reason! With cold and flu season here, no one wants to get sick, and if you do, who has the energy to whip up a remedy from scratch? That’s where these tea bombs come in. They’re easy to prep, store perfectly in the freezer, and ready to enjoy whenever you need a boost. Packed with nourishing ingredients, they’re perfect whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a cozy, healthy drink.
The strength of these Tea Bombs lie in their powerful, nutrient-rich ingredients. Dried hibiscus flowers are high in antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation and support overall health. Elderberries are well-known for their immune-boosting properties and are packed with vitamin C. Lemons and oranges not only add a refreshing citrus flavor but are also excellent sources of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system and ward off colds. Together, these ingredients create a tea that’s both nourishing and rich in antioxidants, perfect for promoting wellness during cold and flu season.
Here’s What You Will Need To Make These Hibiscus Elderberry Tea Bombs
- 1 cup Dried Elderberry
- 1/2 cup Dried Hibiscus Flower
- 2 Lemon
- 1 Orange
Optional Add-ins
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 3 inches Fresh Ginger
To enhance the Hibiscus Elderberry mixture, I like to add cinnamon and ginger, both rich in key nutrients. Ginger contains powerful compounds like gingerol, which helps reduce inflammation, supports digestion, and eases nausea. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols, known for regulating blood sugar and supporting heart health. Together, they boost the flavor while adding essential nutrients that further enhance the wellness benefits of this nourishing tea.
CHECK OUT MY AMAZON STOREFRONT FOR THE EXACT MOLD I USED AND MY PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS RECIPE
How To Make These Immune Boosting Elderberry Bombs <3
*Below is a brief overview with images. Scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions + video
STEP 1: Start by preparing the elderberry hibiscus mixture. Combine all the ingredients in a pot and bring the mixture to a boil Let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. Once reduced, remove the pot from heat and let the liquid cool until it is safe to handle. Then, carefully squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
STEP 2: Prepare the citrus mixture. Start by cleaning the citrus and cutting into large chunks (leaving on the peel). Blend with the water, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or squeeze through cheesecloth to remove any pulp.
STEP 3: Combine the elderberry mixture and citrus mixture together. You should have 2-3 cups of liquid after combining.
STEP 4: Carefully pour the combined liquid into ice molds (this recipe makes approximately 8-10 two-inch frozen tea bombs). Place the filled molds in the freezer and freeze for at least 3 hours or overnight.
The best way to serve your Elderberry Bomb
Ratio of Tea Bomb To Water
One 2″(inch) Elderberry Tea Bomb For every 8-10 ounces of water
- SERVE IT HOT. To serve it hot, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your frozen elderberry bomb to a mug and pour the water directly over the tea bomb. I like to fill my cup halfway and give the mixture a stir to help the tea bomb dissolve. Then, I like to add more hot water on top so my tea is nice and warm, and finish preparing it by adding raw honey.
- OPTIONAL: You can let the tea bomb dissolve then strain it if you prefer to enjoy your tea without the pulp from the citrus. I enjoy the pulp in my tea and find that it does not interfere with the flavor or texture.
- SERVE IT COLD. To serve it cold, do the same. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add your frozen elderberry bomb, pour on the all the water you’d like. Let it dissolve and come to room temperature. Mix in any sweetener like agave or honey.
The Best Way To Steep Dried Elderberries
Elderberries contain naturally occurring compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested raw or improperly prepared. To reduce their toxic effects and safely enjoy the health benefits of dried elderberries, proper preparation is key. Here are the best ways to steep dried elderberries:
- Simmering: Simmer dried elderberries in water for at least 15-30 minutes at low heat. This helps to break down the toxins, making the berries safe to consume. Use a ratio of about 1 cup of dried elderberries to 4 cups of water. After simmering, strain the mixture before drinking or using it in recipes.
- Boiling: Boiling dried elderberries for at least 10-15 minutes is another effective method to neutralize toxins. Boiling at high heat ensures the cyanogenic compounds are broken down completely.
- Combine with Other Ingredients: If you’re using elderberries in tea blends with other ingredients (such as hibiscus or ginger), make sure the elderberries are simmered with the other components to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to consume.
Avoid using raw dried elderberries in cold infusions, as heat is required to deactivate the harmful compounds. Straining the berries after steeping or simmering is also recommended to remove any remaining solids.
Tips To Make Your Tea Bombs
- MAKING THE ELDERBERRY HIBISCUS LIQUID. I like to let the mixture simmer unti it reduces by half and is very concentrated. You also have the option of bringing the mixture to a boil, then letting it sit in the hot water for 20 -30 minutes. The option is yours, but please be careful when preparing elderberries. While elderberries are known for their health benefits, they contain naturally occurring compounds that can be toxic if consumed improperly. Always ensure that elderberries are cooked or prepared correctly to reduce any potential risks.
INGREDIENT SWAPS
Lots of people asked about ingredients they can omit or swap. With any recipe, feel free to omit or adjust any of the ingredients to suit your desires. Below are a few simple swaps. 🙂
- USE DRIED ROSEHIP. Instead of hibiscus you can use dried rosehip, which is also high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Keep in mind that rosehip has a milder flavor than hibiscus and will slightly change the flavor of your tea.
- USE LIME: Feel free to use lemons only, oranges only, OR add limes to the mix. Each of them are high in Vitamin C and a great addition to this tea.
- ADD MORE GINGER: For a more powerful tea, you can add fresh ginger to the mix when blending the citrus. I recommend adding 2-3″ (inches) of fresh ginger. (Fresh Turmeric is a great option too!)
STORAGE
Store your elderberry bombs in the freezer in an airtight container sealed with a lid for up to 6 months. I suggest removing the tea bombs from the molds before storing.
Common Questions
Does boiling the elderberries and hibiscus diminish the levels of vitamin C?
While boiling can diminish vitamin C levels, you can still retain a good amount of this nutrient if you keep the boiling time short. For maximum health benefits, consider using methods that require less cooking time, such as steeping at lower temperatures. If you’re looking to maximize vitamin C intake, adding fresh lemon or orange after preparation can also enhance the vitamin C content of your drink (which is exactly what we do in this recipe).
Can I enjoy these Elderberry Tea Bombs Cold?
Certainly! Just let the tea come to room temperature first. You can even serve it with ice for a refreshing drink. If serving cold, I recommend adding fresh sliced lemon, orange, and mint to further enhance the flavor of the drink.
There is citrus pulp in my tea. Should I strain the mixture before drinking?
You can let the tea bomb dissolve and strain it if you’d prefer to enjoy your tea without the citrus pulp, but there’s no need to. I personally enjoy the pulp and find that it doesn’t interfere with the flavor or texture of the tea.
What should I do with the leftover pulp after straining the citrus liquid?
The leftover pulp is filled with tons of fiber, so don’t throw it away. Instead, I like to freeze the leftover pulp and and throw the frozen pulp cubes in my smoothie for an added fiber boost.
Is this Elderberry bomb like your typical tea bomb?
No, this elderberry bomb is much better than your typical tea bombs, which are loaded with sugar. Traditional tea bombs are translucent ball made from isomalt sugar or a mixture of honey and sugar, with loose leaf tea inside. These elderberry bombs are made without sugar and use nutrient dense ingredients.
Can I add loose leaf tea to my frozen elderberry bomb?
Unfortunately not. You cannot add loose leaf tea to the mixture before freezing the tea bombs because when thawed the tea with lose its potency and flavor. However, you can certainly add your favorite tea bag or loose leaf tea after to steep in the liquid as the elderberry bombs dissolve.
This drink is very similar to my Hibiscus Ginger Turmeric Tea or 4-Ingredient Elderberry Tea. If you would like to skip making the tea bombs and make tea instead, check out those recipes!
Vitamin C Packed Elderberry Tea Bombs!
Ingredients
For the Elderberry and Hibiscus Mixture
- 1 cup Dried Elderberries (or 2 cups Fresh Elderberries)
- 1/2 cup Dried Hibiscus
- 4 cups Filtered or Spring Water
- 1 Cinnamon Stick optional
- 3 inches Fresh Ginger (or 1/2 tsp dried ginger) optional
For the Citrus Mixture
- 2 Organic Lemons (with the peel)
- 1 Organic Orange (with the peel)
- 3/4 cup Filtered or Spring Water
Instructions
Prepare the Elderberries and Hibiscus
- In a pot, combine dried elderberries and hibiscus with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Cool the Liquid
- Once reduced, remove the pot from heat and let the liquid cool until it is safe to handle.
Strain the Mixture
- Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the elderberries and hibiscus from the liquid. Press down (or squeeze) to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the remaining solids.
Prepare the Citrus
- While the elderberry and hibiscus are steeping, soak the citrus in salted water or water with baking soda to thoroughly clean them. Scrub and rinse the citrus after soaking
- Slice the cleaned citrus into chunks
Blend the Citrus and Strain
- Add the chopped citrus and water to a blender. Blend until smooth
- Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer or squeeze through cheesecloth to remove any pulp. (repeat this step once more if desired)
Combine the Mixtures and Fill The Ice Mold
- In a large bowl, combine the strained elderberry and hibiscus liquid with the strained citrus mixture.(I typically have about 20 ounces of the combined mixture. This amount will vary depending on how much liquid you have after steeping your elderberries and the amount of juice extracted from the citrus. Feel free to make and add more of the citrus mixture if desired.)
- Carefully pour the combined liquid into ice molds (this recipe makes 8-10 two-inch frozen tea bombs).
Freeze and Enjoy!
- Place the filled molds in the freezer and freeze for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- When you’re ready to enjoy, add a frozen elderberry bomb to a mug. Pour in boiled water and stir. Strain if desired or enjoy as is! Sweeten with honey or agave as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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