Blackberry Simple Syrup

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to make - Making your own flavored syrups might sound daunting at first but I promise you it's super easy. All you do is simmer sugar, water, and fruits or spices together and strain them to get a syrup. The whole process takes max 30 minutes and you only need 3 ingredients for this recipe!

Better than store-bought - Most store-bought syrups tend to be made with flavors instead of real fruits so homemade syrups will always be healthier and more flavorful. The syrup is still made with sugar but it's definitely better for you than using one with unknown natural or artificial flavorings. The blackberries give the syrup a beautiful pink/purple hue without any colorings too!

So many uses - You can use the syrup in cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, lattes, or even for drizzling pancakes or desserts!

Ingredients

• Blackberries - You can use both fresh or frozen blackberries. Fresh berries when they're in season are always the best but either work.
• Cane sugar - Cane sugar is the best option here. It's better than white sugar but it's still flavorless and won't overpower the blackberry flavor. If you don't like cane sugar, maple syrup is also a great option. Any sweetener that can be used as a sugar replacement in a 1:1 ratio works here. Just keep in mind it might change the flavor of the syrup.
• Water - The syrup is made with sugar and water in a 1:1 ratio.
• Vanilla extract - This is totally optional but I like to add a little bit of vanilla for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add blackberries, cane sugar, and water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
2. Stir often, in the beginning, to make sure the sugar melts properly.
3. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Take the syrup off the heat, stir in vanilla, and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.

5. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a large measuring cup or a bowl.
6. Pour it into a glass jar and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Wait until the syrup is completely cool before closing the jar.

When I do this with strawberries or blueberries, I like to keep the strained berries in the fridge and use them as a jam but blackberries have too many seeds (just like raspberries) so I usually just toss them.

How to Use The Syrup

• Cocktails: This Blackberry Margarita is as delicious as it is pretty and I highly recommend trying it! You can use this syrup with any tequila, vodka, gin, or white rum-based cocktails.
• Mocktails: You have to try this Blackberry Mocktail with Thyme, it's one of my all-time favorites!
• Iced teas and lemonades: Try it in this Passion Tea Lemonade or this Iced Matcha Lemonade! You can also use it to sweeten hot teas.
• Lattes: This syrup is perfect for matcha lattes or butterfly pea flower lattes. I don't recommend adding it to coffee, but you have to try this Iced Blackberry Matcha Latte! It's so delicious!
• Food: Drizzle the syrup over ice cream, pancakes, waffles, french toast, or desserts as you would maple syrup or other flavored syrups.

Other Simple Syrup Recipes

Flavored syrups are truly so easy to make at home and there are endless flavor options! Below are four of my favorites. You can use them for cocktails, lattes, or any non-alcoholic drinks. To see all the latest ones, head over to the Flavored Syrups category.

• Blueberry Simple Syrup
• Raspberry Simple Syrup
• Strawberry Simple Syrup
• Hibiscus Simple Syrup