Easy 3-Ingredient Blackberry Simple Syrup

Once you see on easy it is to make your own homemade blackberry simple syrup, but you’ll be trying other flavors too.  With just 3 simple ingredients you’ll have a delicious way to flavor your cold drinks or add a little more flavor and joy to your pancakes or pound cake.  And this is so much better than any store-bought syrup, not only in terms of taste, but you know exactly what you’re eating.

Did you know that Oregon produces 95% of the blackberries in the United States? Since I live in Oregon I consider myself very fortunate to have access to fresh delicious blackberries throughout most of the summer. From marionberries (a type of blackberry) to Chester blackberries, one of the sweetest varieties in my opinion I love them all.

With my new found love of making simple syrups I couldn’t resist making this delicious homemade blackberry simple syrup with fresh local blackberries.  It’s so good, and I love combining it with lemon juice and ginger ale for a refreshing summer drink. 

You can surprise your guests with a twist on their favorite cocktails by adding this simple syrup.  And it’s such an easy recipe it’s a great way for your kids to get in the kitchen and not only make their own syrup but experiment with making a favorite cold drink.

What is Blackberry Simple Syrup

So let’s start with the basics.  A classic simple syrup recipe is usually made with an equal ratio of water and granulated sugar - meaning 1 cup of water to 1 cup of sugar.  The mixture is typically heated just until the sugar dissolves which creates a sugar syrup that can be used to sweeten and flavor a variety of drinks and food.  If you want a thicker syrup you would use 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of water.

Blackberry simple syrup is the same as simple syrup except we’re using fresh or frozen blackberries in addition to sugar and water and we’re letting the berries steep for a few minutes to draw out as much flavor and color as possible. The final syrup has a bright fruity fresh blackberry flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.

In addition to blackberry simple syrup I’ve also made a lemon simple syrup which is great for lemonade or lemon soda; and a raspberry simple syrup which tastes amazing.

Blackberry Syrup Ingredients

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• Fresh blackberries: Since this recipe is all about the blackberries use fresh local blackberries.  My preference is for fresh berries, but frozen blackberries which are usually picked and frozen at the peak of flavor will also work for this recipe.

Full ingredients, measurements, and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Blackberry Simple Syrup

I really enjoy making my own simple syrup.  It’s not only easy, but I love the flavor and experimenting with other flavors.  If this is your first time making flavored simple syrup, I hope you’ll try out my other flavors, like strawberry or lemon, or try your own experiments with different flavors.

Step 1: Clean the container for the blackberry simple syrup by washing it with soap and hot water, and thoroughly rinsing it. Next, pour boiling water into the container twice to ensure it is thoroughly clean.  

Step 2: Wash the blackberries, by placing them in a colander and spraying with cold water.  Remove any stems and leaves, and any blackberries that have mold on them.

Step 5: Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it up with a lid and let it steep for 15 minutes to draw out the most flavor from the blackberries.  

Step 6: Pour the warm blackberry syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a medium-sized bowl.  Don't press the berries.  You don’t want the blackberry solids in the simple syrup.   

Step 7: Let the simple syrup cool to room temperature before storing in a clean glass jar.

Variations

Add Lemon Juice. There are a lot of things that you do with this syrup.  If you want a more tart syrup add 1 or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice after cooking the blackberries.  However if you plan to make drinks that include lemon or lime juice I would leave the syrup as is.

For a Thicker Syrup. If you want a thicker syrup to pour over pancakes simmer the syrup until it is reduced by 1/3.  As it cools it will continue to thicken.

How to Use Blackberry Simple Syrup

This syrup is perfect for making alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Adjust the amount of syrup based on your own tastes, but I recommend starting with 2 ounces.

• Use this blackberry simple syrup for cocktails or add club soda for delicious homemade strawberry soda.  Or combine it with a spicy ginger beer for a very refreshing treat.
• Combine it with fresh lemon juice for blackberry lemonade
• Use to flavor and sweeten iced tea or hot tea.
• Use it to brush cake layers with a silicone brush to add blackberry flavor to the cake and to help keep the cake layers moist

How to Store Blackberry Syrup

Because we added fruit to the plain simple syrup (sugar and water) recipe it has a shorter shelf life and will eventually spoil. There are a few ways to maximize the life of this homemade blackberry simple syrup.

• Use an airtight container. While you may be tempted to use any type of container, I suggest using a sealed glass jar. Glass canning jars are best.
• Clean the container well. Be sure to thoroughly wash the container. Wash the glass jar with dish soap, and then immerse it in a boiling water bath for a few minutes before adding the blackberry syrup.
• Freeze the simple syrup. A great way to prolong the life of the simple syrup is to freeze it in either a single container or in an ice cube tray.  Use the ice cubes to chill and flavor your favorite drinks.

Pro Tips for Making This Simple Syrup

• When selecting the blackberries use berries that have a naturally sweet flavor with a little bit of tartness.
• Discard blackberries that are moldy or have white fuzz on them.  The mold is not good for you 
• If making this syrup outside of blackberry season, use frozen blackberries. They are readily available and typically have a good flavor.

If you make this recipe please leave a rating and a comment below.

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