This blackberry simple syrup is sweet and tangy. It’s made with fresh or frozen blackberries simmered with sugar and water, then strained for a smooth, deep purple syrup. Use it in cocktails, mocktails, lemonade, or anywhere you want berry flavor.
About this blackberry syrup
Blackberry simple syrup is a flavored sweetener made by simmering blackberries with equal parts sugar and water. The berries break down and release their juice, which infuses the syrup with color and flavor. After straining, you’re left with a smooth, pourable syrup that adds blackberry flavor to drinks without the seeds or pulp.
This syrup works with fresh or frozen blackberries, so you can make it year-round. Frozen berries actually work well here since they break down quickly and release their juice easily. The lemon juice is optional but recommended; it brightens the berry flavor and helps the color stay vibrant.
One batch makes about 1 1/4 cups of syrup, which is enough for 10-15 cocktails depending on how heavy you pour.
Method
- Combine blackberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes, mashing the berries occasionally to release their juice.
- Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing gently to extract all the syrup.
How to use blackberry syrup
This syrup is versatile. Here are some ideas:
- Cocktails: Use it in a Blackberry Gin Sour, Blackberry Whiskey Sour, or Blackberry Margarita.
- Mocktails: Mix with sparkling water and lime for a quick blackberry soda.
- Lemonade: Stir into lemonade for blackberry lemonade.
- Iced tea: Add some to your iced tea
Tips
- Strain well. Blackberry seeds are small and annoying. Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to catch them all.
- Don’t over-mash. Gentle mashing releases the juice without making the syrup cloudy or bitter from the seeds.
- Cool before straining. Hot syrup is thinner and strains faster, but it’s also harder to handle. Let it cool a bit first.
- Freeze for longer storage. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Each cube is roughly 1 oz, perfect for single drinks.
Storage
Store in a clean glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The syrup will thicken slightly when cold, which is normal. If you need it longer, freeze it in ice cube trays.
Variations
- Vanilla blackberry syrup: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract or a split vanilla bean while simmering.
- Spiced blackberry syrup: Add a cinnamon stick and 2-3 cloves while simmering.
- Herb-infused: Add a sprig of rosemary, thyme, or mint during the last minute of simmering.
- Honey blackberry syrup: Replace half the sugar with honey for a richer, more complex sweetness.
Cocktails using blackberry syrup
Blackberry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine the blackberries, lemon juice, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Lower the heat once the first bubbles appear and the mixture starts simmering.
- Let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing the blackberries a bit. Remove it from the heat.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature. Once it has cooled strain it through a muslin cloth or fine-mesh strainer.
- Pour the blackberry syrup into a clean glass jar or airtight container.
- Leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen blackberries both work well. Frozen berries break down faster.
- For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays. Each cube is about 1 oz.
- Add a cinnamon stick while simmering for a spiced version.
