Flavored simple syrup is incredibly easy to make and a great way to kick your cocktails up a notch. It allows you to add both sweetness and flavor to your drink recipe. This Blackberry Simple Syrup is great with almost any spirit and is also a beautiful deep red color.
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Keep in mind that any recipe that calls for simple syrup is a good place to use a flavored simple syrup. It will give you a totally different experience.
If you're looking for a few cocktail recipe ideas, this Blackberry Simple Syrup would be great in a Blackberry Old Fashioned or in this Simple White Sangria Recipe.
Ingredients
You need just a few things to make your own simple syrup.
- Water: this is the base of your syrup.
- Granulated sugar: this adds the sweetness. You can make a 1:1 simple syrup (1 cup water, 1 cup sugar), or you can reduce the sugar and reduce the sweetness with a 2:1 simple syrup (2 cups water, 1 cup sugar).
- Fresh blackberries: these are the star of the show, so be generous when adding them to the mix! I suggest using fresh berries, but this would also work with frozen berries.
See full recipe below for details.
Instructions
This Blackberry Simple Syrup comes together in just a few minutes.
Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan or skillet.
Add the blackberries.
Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring to a low boil. Smash the berries with a wooden spoon while stirring occasionally.
Let cool, then strain the syrup into a bowl or container, then transfer to a jar or airtight container to store in the refrigerator.
Hint: Straining the simple syrup is an important step, but make sure you let it cool first. I also like to rub the seeds and berries around in the strainer to get every last bit of juice possible before discarding the pulp.
Variations
This recipe is for a 1:1 simple syrup (1 part water, 1 part sugar). You can also modify this to create a 2:1 simple syrup (2 parts water, 1 part sugar) for a lower sugar option.
Equipment
You need just a few items to bring this Blackberry Simple Syrup together. You'll need a small saucepan or skillet (I like to use the Small Fry Pan from Great Jones as it gives good surface area for crushing the berries). You'll also need a wooden spoon for crushing berries, and a strainer (like these fine mesh strainers).
Storage
Once the simple syrup has cooled, transfer to a jar or airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one month. If you notice that the syrup seems cloudy, or suddenly there are floaters in it, it's time to discard and start fresh.
Top tip
Be generous with the berries. This is the flavor that you really want to capture here, so err on the side of adding more, rather than fewer blackberries!
Blackberry Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar* see note for variations
- 1 cup blackberries
Instructions
- Combine water, sugar and blackberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Cook for 10 minutes, bringing the mixture to a low boil (reduce heat if needed), mashing the berries with a wooden spoon as you stir. You want to release as much of the berry juices as possible. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Once cooled, strain into a glass jar or airtight container and discard the berry pulp. Use right away, or store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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