Juicy, tart blackberries and two types of sugar team up to make this delicious and versatile Blackberry Simple Syrup. You only need 4 ingredients and a few minutes of hands on work to make a big batch that will last for weeks. It's fantastic in cocktails, baked goods, and so much more!
Jump to:
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy recipe: This recipe is as simple as boil, mash, cool, and store. It's as easy as making regular simple syrup, but it's packed with extra delicious flavor from fresh blackberries. It's way better than store bought and so versatile.
- Stores well: You can keep this simple syrup in a mason jar/sealed container in the refrigerator, or freeze it in an ice cube tray. This recipe yields 14 fluid ounces of syrup, so one batch will last you several weeks or even months (unless you're like us and use it in pretty much every summer recipe).
- Versatile: This simple syrup packs a fruity and tart punch of blackberries to cocktails, baked goods, cold and hot drinks, marinades/dressings and more.
- Enjoy summer flavors all year long: If you freeze this blackberry simple syrup, you can enjoy all year, even when blackberries aren't in season!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this blackberry simple syrup:
Ingredient Notes
- Sugar: We're using both granulated white sugar and brown sugar in this simple syrup.
- White sugar dissolves very quickly and is traditional in making any simple syrup.
- Brown sugar adds deeper flavor to this simple syrup. The syrup develops a caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the tart berries. If you prefer, you can just use one or the other (white or brown sugar).
- Blackberries: We prefer using fresh, but frozen works, too!
- The only other ingredient you need to make this simple syrup is water. It's that easy!
Instructions
(1) Add the water, sugar, and blackberries to a small saucepan over high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring to a boil.
(2) Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Use a masher, the back of a fork or a muddler to mash the berries thoroughly. Remove from heat and let sit for 15 minutes.
(3) Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, using a spoon or spatula to push as much liquid through the sieve as possible.
Let cool completely before using in a recipe. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks, or freeze in ice cube trays and transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to 6 months.
Uses For Blackberry Simple Syrup
This simple syrup is super versatile and can be used in much more than cocktails! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it:
- Cocktails: It can be used in place of simple syrup, agave or another liquid sweetener. It goes well with gin, vodka, tequila and whiskey! Try it in some of our favorite drinks that use simple syrup:
- Mocktails/cold drinks: Add it to a non-alcoholic drink to add a splash of sweetness. It would be delicious in iced tea, lemonade, or a simple spritzer with sparkling water.
- Stir it into yogurt, chia pudding, oatmeal or overnight oats as a sweetener.
- Swap with maple syrup for pancakes, waffles, or french toast.
- Desserts: Use it to add flavor to cakes, cupcakes and cheesecakes. It can also be used as a glaze for pound cakes/bundt cakes or drizzled over ice cream.
Tips and FAQs
- Refrigerator storage: You can store this simple syrup in a mason jar or any other sealed container and stash it in the fridge, where it'll keep for up to 3-4 weeks. If you notice an off smell or mold anywhere in the container, discard. It's important to store it in an airtight container to extend the shelf life.
- Freezer storage: Freeze in an ice cube tray and defrost one or two cubes at a time when you need some simple syrup. When frozen, it should keep for 3-6 months, so you can enjoy it any time.
- Don't boil for too long: If this boils for too long, it will thicken up a bit too much. After 4 or so minutes, be sure to remove from heat to cool. If it thickens too much, add in more water.
- This blackberry simple syrup is great as a DIY gift! Store it in a pretty glass container, wrap a ribbon around the top with a label, and you've got an awesome host/hostess or holiday gift on your hands!
- Pair it with a bottle of our homemade infused alcohol for an extra special gift.
More Simple Syrup Recipes to Enjoy
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment with a star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ below. You can also snap a photo and tag @crowded_kitchen on Instagram. We can't wait to see what you're cooking!
Cook with us often? Tell Google you want Crowded Kitchen recipes near the top of your results.
Blackberry Simple Syrup
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 14 ounces 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Juicy, tart blackberries and two types of sugar team up to make this delicious and versatile Blackberry Simple Syrup. You only need 4 ingredients and a few minutes of hands on work to make a big batch that will last for weeks. It's fantastic in cocktails, baked goods, and so much more!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (10 ounces) blackberries
- ⅔ cup water
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Add the water, sugar, and blackberries to a small saucepan over high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and bring to a boil.
- Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Use a masher, the back of a fork or a muddler to mash the berries thoroughly. Remove from heat and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, using a spoon or spatula to push as much liquid through the sieve as possible. Let cool fully before using in a recipe.
Notes
Sugar: Feel free to use just one variety of sugar in this recipe.
Refrigerator storage: You can store this simple syrup in a mason jar or any other sealed container and stash it in the fridge, where it'll keep for up to 3-4 weeks. If you notice an off smell or mold anywhere in the container, discard. It's important to store it in an airtight container to extend the shelf life.
Freezer storage: Freeze in an ice cube tray and defrost one or two cubes at a time when you need some simple syrup. When frozen, it should keep for 3-6 months, so you can enjoy it any time.
Don't boil for too long: If this boils for too long, it will thicken up a bit too much. After 4 or so minutes, be sure to remove from heat to cool. If it thickens too much, add in more water.
You can use fresh or frozen blackberries.
See blog post for ideas/recipes on how to use this simple syrup!
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It may vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 43
- Sugar: 10.1 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10.9 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
Sally Gibson says
What happens if it thickens up too much?
Lexi Harrison says
You can always add a splash of water to thin it out!
Melinda Rossetti says
can you tell me where you bought the jar/containers for the simple syrup?
Ross says
I can't rave enough about this Blackberry Simple Syrup recipe! It's a game-changer for my drinks and desserts. The combination of fresh blackberries with the perfect balance of brown and granulated sugar is sheer bliss for the taste buds. It's incredibly versatile and adds a burst of natural sweetness to everything it touches. Thank you for sharing this recipe, looking forward to trying more
Lexi says
Aw thank you! Appreciate it!