Print

Blackberry Simple Syrup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Blackberry Simple Syrup is a deep purple, jammy-sweet syrup made with fresh or frozen blackberries, sugar, and a squeeze of lemon. It takes about 20 minutes and captures the rich, slightly tart flavor of ripe berries. Stir it into sparkling water, lemonade, iced tea, and cocktails, or drizzle it over pancakes, yogurt, cheesecake, and ice cream.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces (340 g) fresh or frozen blackberries (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the blackberries, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, mashing the berries with a spoon as they soften, until the liquid turns deep purple and slightly syrupy.
  4. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, if using.
  5. Let the syrup cool for 15 minutes.
  6. Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a clean jar or bottle, pressing lightly on the berries to extract the liquid. For a clearer syrup, let it drip without pressing. Discard the seeds.
  7. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate.

Notes

  • Frozen berries work well: There is no need to thaw them first, but you may need an extra 2 to 3 minutes of simmering.
  • Don’t boil hard: A gentle simmer keeps the flavor fresh and the color bright.
  • Strain well: Blackberries have lots of seeds, so use a fine mesh strainer. For an extra-smooth syrup, strain a second time through cheesecloth.
  • Save the berry pulp: The leftover pulp is seedy, but it can be stirred into oatmeal or smoothies if you like.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Tart berries may need 1 to 2 extra tablespoons of sugar. Taste and adjust after cooking.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezing: Freeze in ice cube trays, then store the cubes in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Ways to use it: Mix with sparkling water for homemade soda, add to lemonade, gin or bourbon cocktails, and iced tea, or drizzle over waffles and ice cream.
  • Flavor ideas: Add a few sprigs of thyme, a basil leaf, or a strip of lemon peel while it simmers.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/blackberry-simple-syrup/