Homemade Blackberry Syrup Recipe

My top pick for the most versitile condiment of the year is this 3-ingredient simple blackberry syrup.  Its a joy to use in cocktails, mix into lemonade or pour onto waffles or pancakes.  

With 10-minute prep time, a fine-mesh strainer, a cup water, a cup sugar and you'll have your very own homemade blackberry simple syrup in no time!

Every year around August, the bushes in the Northwest become laden with blackberries.

Heavy with juice, these dark berries pull the branches closer to the ground. Fingers prick on the thorns, but the hand just can't grab enough berries. Whether you fill wicker baskets, yogurt pails, or ice cream buckets, there can never be enough blackberries. And this homemade blackberry syrup recipe, my friends, is my favorite way to use them.

This tasty blackberry syrup is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that you simply NEED in your pantry. As easy as making a very liquidy blackberry jam and running it through a sieve, this simple syrup combines the natural sweetness of blackberries with sugar, creating a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

I love using blackberry syrup in cocktails, mocktails, and lemonades. It's the key ingredient in my blackberry moscow mule and kir royal mocktail, but it's also a joy to mix with yogurt or creme fraiche or to pour onto pancakes or my scrumptious mini croissants. 

Simple Ingredients for Blackberry Syrup

This simple syrup recipe could not be easier to put together. Like any simple syrup, you need water and sugar for the base, and blackberries (fresh or frozen) for color and flavor. 

For more berry simple syrups, I recommend my raspberry simple syrup, cranberry simple syrup, and blueberry simple syrup.  The process is practically identical, just swap out for your berry of choice. 

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Directions to Make My Blackberry Simple Syrup Recipe

Heat berries and sugar

Begin by combining the blackberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently to prevent the sugar from burning and to help the berries break down.

Mash berries

Bring to a boiling then reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for approximately 10 minutes. During this time, use a fork or potato masher to gently mash the blackberries, releasing more of their juice and flavor.

Cool and strain the Syrup

After simmering, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for easier handling.

Set a fine-mesh sieve over a clean bowl or container. Pour the blackberry mixture into the sieve, using a spoon to press and extract as much liquid as possible from the solids.

Let the strained syrup cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for preserving the syrup's flavor and preventing bacterial growth.

Serving Suggestions for Blackberry Syrup

Dilute it with water or soda water, mix into lemonade or club soda for blackberry lemonade with lime juice or fresh lemon juice, or add a teaspoon or two to iced tea or any of your other favorite drinks.   

For breakfast, fold this syrup into oatmeal or drizzle over pancakes or french toast. Another great use is including the berries in a kiwi-blackberry parfait. For something more festive, include as part of my halloween charcuterie board. 

Storage for Simple Blackberry Syrup

Once cooled, transfer the blackberry syrup to an airtight container or glass jars. A glass bottle or jar works well for storage and pouring. Store the syrup in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use.

If you want to store in the freezer, take ice cube trays and fill with the easy blackberry syrup. Take out ice cubes as need be and allow to defrost before use.