Looking for a way to add a fruity touch to your favorite drinks, coffee, cocktails, desserts, or even pancakes? Look no further than this easy blackberry simple syrup recipe! It's easy to make in just 10 minutes and can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks, so you can always have some on hand when you need it.
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This sweet and tangy syrup is a breeze to make and can be used in a variety of ways to add some extra flavor to your favorite recipes.
This tasty blackberry syrup is perfect for summer drinks like blackberry lemonade and wintery waffles. You can add to a vodka margarita or make a fruity whiskey smash.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Blackberries-In the spring and summer, I always use fresh berries. However, when I make this in the winter, mainly for use as a breakfast syrup, I prefer frozen berries. They are sweeter than out-of-season fruit.
- White Sugar- Like all simple syrup recipes you can use any type of sweetener. Coconut sugar, honey, or agave are good substitutes. Try lavender sugar for a unique flavor.
- Water- I recommend filtering your water for a cleaner taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice- This is optional but I think it makes the blackberry flavors more pronounced. Plus it increases the shelf life of the syrup.
💭 Blackberry Syrup Variations
- You can use this recipe with any berry you like or make a mixed berry syrup.
- Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary to the syrup while it's simmering for an herb-infused flavor.
- Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end, but skip the lemon.
- Swap out the lemon and use lime juice.
- Add a tablespoon of lavender sugar or rose water for a fragrant, floral taste.
- Mix in a few slices of fresh ginger or jalapeño pepper for a spicy twist.
🍲How to Make Blackberry Simple Syrup
Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.
Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break up the blackberries. This helps them release their juices.
Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve.
Puree in a high-speed blender, a food processor, or use an immersion blender.
Use a mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain out the seeds and the solids.
Use warm or cool to room temperature before storing.
How to Thicken Simple Syrup
Frozen blackberries release more liquid, which can make your syrup thinner.
- Just simmer it a few extra minutes to reduce, or add a bit more sugar to help it thicken.
- More sugar for a richer, thicker syrup. It will be sweeter.
- Cornstarch slurry if you want less sweetness. Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water, whisk it in, and simmer until thickened.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tip
Normally, simple syrup recipes use a 1:1 ratio of water and cane sugar. I prefer to reduce the sugar when making fruit syrups because of the additional sweetness the fruit adds. For a thicker syrup increase the sugar to 1 cup.
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Blackberry Simple Syrup (fresh or frozen berries)
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cup blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional- see notes
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar and blackberries. Lightly crush blackberries with a potato masher or back of a spoon.1 cup water, ¾ cup sugar, 1 ½ cup blackberries
- Place over medium-high heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam and discard.
- Transfer to a blender and process on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds. You can also do this directly in the pan with an immersion blender. Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Discard solids. Stir in lemon juice, if using. Cool to room temperature, then transfer liquid to desired storage container and chill until ready to use.1 teaspoon lemon juice
Notes
- Lemon will increase the shelf life and add a vibrant tangy taste.
- Store the simple syrup in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- To thicken blackberry simple syrup, you can add additional sugar or cornstarch. Adding more sugar will help create a thicker syrup, but may also make it sweeter.
- If you prefer a less sweet option, you can mix cornstarch with water and add it to the syrup. Begin with a small amount of cornstarch and gradually add more until you reach the desired thickness.
Equipment
- High Speed Blender
- Small Saucepan
- Fine mesh strainer
Helen says
Quick and tasty. This worked perfect for my blackberry margaritas!
Ashley says
I haven't made this recipe, but I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the structure of the instructions! Having the ingredients listed directly underneath each step is incredibly helpful!
Jen Wooster says
Thanks for the feedback!