• This recipe makes 1-3/4 cups of simple syrup

Prep the Container(s)

• Wash the glass container with hot water and dish soap. Do a final rinse with boiling water.

Make the Blackberry Syrip

• Place a 2 or 4-cup measuring cup with a fine mesh strainer next to the stove.
• Wash the blackberries. Place them in a colander and spray them with water. Remove any leaves and any berries that have mold on them.
• Place the blackberries, water, and sugar in a 3 or 4-quart saucepan. Stir together until the sugar starts to dissolve. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes remove the saucepan from the heat, cover the saucepan with the lid and let them steep for 15 minutes. (Simmering and then steeping the blackberries will further break down the blackberries and draw out more color and flavor.)
• If you want a thicker syrup for pancakes or waffles, bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to medium and let it cook until the syrup is reduced by one-third. Remove the syrup from the heat source and let them steep for 15 minutes.
• Strain the blackberries through a fine mesh strainer into a medium-sized bowl, separating the blackberry pulp from the liquid. Do not press against the berries. You do not want the pulp in the simple syrup. Let the blackberries drain for 15 minutes. The syrup should be a very dark purple.

How to Store the Syrup

• Let the blackberry syrup cool to room temperature. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or container with a lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  Freezing the Syrup: The syrup can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months or as ice cubes that can be added to drinks.

How to Use the Blackberry Simple Syrup

• This syrup is great for drinks and cocktails. Add 2-4 tablespoons to your drinks depending on the other ingredients. Add about 2 tablespoons to a glass of iced tea for a nice fruity flavor. To add raspberry flavor to your layer cake, brush the layers with the cooled raspberry syrup right before you frost the cake.

How to Make Blackberry Ice Cubes

• Refrigerate the blackberry syrup overnight. Pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and freeze. Add the ice cubes to your favorite drinks or cocktails.