Making Blackberry Syrup for cocktails calls for the same process as any other blackberry simple syrup recipe. Most simple syrup recipes contain just water, sugar, and some type of flavor, in this case, blackberries.
The sweet, rich taste of blackberries adds such delicious flavor to many classic cocktails like margaritas, brambles, mimosas, and mojitos. And since the syrup itself doesn't contain alcohol, you can use it for mocktails, or even just to flavor drinks like iced tea or club soda.
Making Simple Syrup is one of the easiest ways to improve your cocktail-making game. And although there are endless ingredients you can use to flavor simple syrups, one of my absolute favorites is fresh blackberries. The flavor is so versatile.
I suggest making this easy blackberry syrup recipe during blackberry season, when they're the tastiest they can be. Though peak season in most of the US is July and August, you can usually find good blackberries all summer, and even late spring.
How to Make Homemade Blackberry Syrup
Calling for just 4 simple ingredients, this blackberry simple syrup recipe couldn't be easier to make. And it's absolutely gorgeous!
Ingredients
- White Sugar
- Blackberries
- Lime juice (makes a huge difference in the depth of flavor)
- Water
See recipe card for quantities.
Steps
Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a light boil. Then reduce heat and simmer.
Step 2: Cook, stirring occasionally, and mash blackberries with a potato masher or wooden spatula after they've been simmering for 2-3 minutes. (when they're soft and easily mashable)
Step 3: The syrup is done when it has reduced by about half and is a dark reddish-purple color. (this recipe calls for 2:1 water to sugar so that the blackberries have time to cook and release all of their juices. Therefore, the final product is about 1:1 water to sugar, which is considered a simple syrup.)
Step 4: Allow it to cool slightly. Then pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into an airtight container or glass jar. Press out as much liquid as possible, then discard solids left behind.
Step 5: Serve! Use your tasty blackberry syrup to make delicious blackberry margarita, blackberry whiskey lemonade, or blackberry mojito!
Variations on Blackberry Simple Syrup
- Blackberry vanilla syrup- The sweet taste of vanilla extract is a great way to compliment the more bold taste of blackberries. You can even use this version as a topping for vanilla ice cream! 1 teaspoon will do.
- Blackberry Ginger Syrup- Add some fresh ginger! This one is great for doubling down on the ginger flavor in drinks like a blackberry Moscow Mule, which contains ginger beer.
- Brown Sugar Blackberry Syrup- brown sugar has a more caramelized taste which can help round out the bold flavors of drinks such as blackberry brambles. My suggestion is to make this syrup both ways (white sugar and brown sugar) so you can taste the difference!
Storing the Blackberry Simple Syrup
- The best way to store this fruit syrup is to first let it come to room temperature, place it in a glass jar, then cover it and place it in the refrigerator. It will last about 1 month.
- Sterilizing the jar first will help it keep a little longer, but I usually skip this step and freeze whatever's left after a month.
- If you want to use your blackberry syrup for cocktails more than a month from now, divide it among ice cube trays and freeze. Then either defrost the ice cubes when you're ready for them, or add a few directly to a pitcher of lemonade for a delicious blackberry lemonade.
Top Tips
- Use the best blackberries possible! It's the main ingredient, after all. And don't be afraid to taste a blackberry before buying. This is a totally acceptable practice at farmers markets.
- The syrup will NOT be thick. I'is done when it just slightly coats the back of a spoon, but doesn't fully stick to it. (thicker than water but thinner than maple syrup)
- The amount of syrup in the final result will vary slightly based on how juicy the blackberries are and when you stop cooking it. A little variation is totally acceptable, but the final amount is approximately
How to use Blackberry Syrup for Cocktails
Add 1 teaspoon of blackberry syrup to your favorite drinks, cocktails, and spirits. Some ideas include:
- Blackberry Mojitos
- Blackberry Margaritas
- Blackberry Brandy or Whisky
- Blackberry Manhattan
- Blackberry Iced Tea or lemonade
- Blackberry Amaretto Sour
Recipe
Print📖 Recipe
Blackberry Simple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Description
This easy syrup recipe takes homemade cocktails to the next level. Fresh lime juice gives the syrup a pop of acidity to cut through the sweetness. And the color is to die for.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh blackberries
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of water
- ½ of a lime (juice)
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a pot set over medium heat, and heat the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it comes to a light boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer. After 2 minutes mash blackberries with a potato masher or wooden spoon. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns a dark red/purple color. It will only slightly coat the back of a spoon.
- Allow it to cool so you don't burn yourself, then pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
- Store in an airtight container or glass jar.