Looking for a way to add a fruity touch to your favorite drinks, cocktails, desserts, or even pancakes? Look no further than this easy blackberry simple syrup recipe!
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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 won't believe how easy it is to make.
Homemade blackberry simple syrup is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. 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.
Plus, blackberries are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients, making this syrup a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
Fresh Blackberries vs Frozen
Using fresh fruit during its peak season is always preferred. 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.
First, be sure to thaw them completely before using them in the recipe. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for a few hours.
Second, when using frozen blackberries, be aware that they may release more liquid than fresh blackberries when cooked, which could result in a slightly thinner syrup. To combat this, you can try cooking the syrup for a few minutes longer or adding a bit more sugar to help thicken it up.
🧾Ingredient Notes
You will also need:
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.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
💭 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.
- While cooking add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a warm cozy flavor.
- Add a tablespoon of lavender flowers 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
This recipe only takes 10 minutes. It is perfect for beginner cooks. Let's get started!
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
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.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that adding cornstarch may affect the color and flavor of the syrup, so adjust the amount accordingly.
🥣 How to Use Blackberry Syrup
- Add it to cocktails for a fruity twist, such as in a blackberry margarita or a blackberry gin fizz.
- Use it as a sweetener for fruity iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing summer beverage.
- Add some to a glass and top with club soda for an easy blackberry and lemon soda.
- Add it to coffee or hot tea with milk.
- Drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a delicious breakfast treat.
- Pour it over ice cream or yogurt for a simple dessert.
- Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork for a sweet and savory meal. It pairs wonderfully with balsamic vinegar.
- Mix it with sparkling water for a homemade blackberry soda.
- Add it to salad dressings for a unique flavor.
- Mix it into buttercream frosting for a fruity frosting for cakes or cupcakes.
Top 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.
🌡️Storing Leftovers
Blackberry simple syrup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerating it.
While simple syrup will keep for months the downside of using these delicious juicy blackberries is that creates a shorter shelf life. It will last 1 to 2 weeks without the lemon juice, and a week or 2 longer with it. See my post on storing simple syrup for more info.
❤️More Simple Syrup Recipes
💬Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze simple syrup?
To freeze simple syrup, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container or bag to allow for expansion.
Do I have to use blackberries?
No, you can use any berry you like in this fruit syrup. Raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries all work. Or you can mix and match.
📖 Recipe Card
Blackberry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups 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 cups 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
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!