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Blackberry Simple Syrup Recipe

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This Blackberry Simple Syrup recipe will help you level up the flavor of your cocktails! With 4 simple ingredients, you can create delicious berry drinks with ease! Create a unique recipe or customize a classic, this flavored syrup will help you shake up something super tasty.

Bottle of blackberry cocktail syrup on white counter with fresh blackberries laying nearby.
Let’s make this tasty blackberry simple syrup recipe!

Why this cocktail syrup recipe works

This blackberry syrup for drinks is simple to make and brings another delicious layer of flavor plus the most gorgeous purpley-pink color to any drink you make with it.

Traditional Simple Syrup is a common ingredient for making cocktails and mocktails at home. And by adding in some fresh flavors, like blackberry in this version or my Basil Simple Syrup, you can add even more creative flavor to your recipes.

This blackberry cocktail syrup recipe works because it’s sweet, which helps to add balance to a drink, and also imparts a yummy blackberry flavor that is interesting and a little unexpected.

Related: Blackberry Moscow Mule

Best of all, this blackberry syrup recipe takes about 20 minutes to make! And once it’s cooled, you can use it to make all kinds of drinks.

This easy drink syrup is great for cocktails but can be used to flavor lemonade, iced tea and even coffee as well.

Make this flavored simple syrup to create a signature cocktail for your next party or happy hour.

Ingredient Notes

Labeled ingredients to make blackberry simple syrup.
What you need to make blackberry syrup for drinks.

The fresh blackberries are what really make this syrup have a flavor like no other.

And since you really just need sugar and water to complete this cocktail syrup, it’s a fairly straightforward and simple recipe to do.

You can use a different type of sugar (like Demerara or even a monk fruit sugar) to make this. The flavors may differ slightly but the same basic instructions should be the same.

How to Make Blackberry Simple Syrup

Heating blackberries, sugar and water in a pan on the stove.

Step 1

Add water, sugar, and blackberries to a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring to dissolve sugar.

Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.

Mashing up blackberries once they've cooked down on the stovetop.

Step 2

Mash the berries and let sit for 10 minutes to flavor the sugar water. A potato masher works really well for this.

Straining blackberry cocktail syrup into a bowl through cheesecloth.

Step 3

Strain with cheesecloth or a sieve into a clean jar with a lid. Let cool completely before storing.

Tips and Tricks

  • The flavors of flavored simple syrups can be pretty subtle. I’ve made this blackberry simple syrup multiple times, in a variety of ways, and the end result may not be as bold as you want. When paired with fresh blackberries, the taste is even more pronounced. Consider keeping a few berries out of the syrup to use when it’s time to make the cocktail.
  • This syrup is even delicious when added to simple club soda.
  • Frozen blackberries can work in a pinch but I’ve found that the flavor is slightly reduced.
  • Many recipes add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to add a little brightness. I find that it can sometimes overpower the berry flavor. But feel free to try it both ways and let me know which way you prefer!
  • The lemon juice might also help the simple syrup from becoming crystallized. If you notice that the sugars are reacting with my recipe, make a note to add the lemon juice next time. I don’t usually have trouble with crystals forming in my climate.
  • Some berries can stain! Take care when straining and transferring to a jar!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know when blackberries are ripe?

A ripe blackberry is a deep black color that is not shiny. It will also look plump and feel slightly tender when squeezed gently.

How do you know when simple syrup is done.

Simple syrup is ready when the sugar has fully dissolved and it’s the consistency that you like. The longer you let it boil, the thicker and more concentrated it will become as the water evaporates out. Legit bartenders like a bit of a thicker simple syrup, whereas when I’m making cocktails at home, it doesn’t really matter and is fine if the consistency is on the thinner side.

Do I have to strain the blackberries before serving?

Unless you like having blackberry seeds in your drink, I highly recommend straining the syrup. If you don’t strain your blackberries, you’ll notice the little seeds in your drink that will get stuck in your teeth and are annoying. (If you mix fresh berries with the syrup you will still have the seeds from the fresh berries).

How long does Blackberry Simple Syrup last?

Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to a week. Regular simple syrup can usually last longer but anytime you add fruit or herb, it won’t last as long. If you can sterilize the container, it may last longer.

Blackberry cocktail syrup in clear jar on a counter next to fresh berries and a cloth napkin.

This blackberry simple syrup recipe is great for adding to cocktails and drinks to enhance the flavor and taste.

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Blackberry cocktail syrup in jar with towel and fresh blackberries on orange counter.

Blackberry Simple Syrup

With just 4 ingredients, this easy Blackberry Simple Syrup recipe is a great way to customize cocktails and mocktails with delicious berry flavor.
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 56kcal
Servings: 16 servings

Equipment

  • Strainer or cheesecloth
  • saucepan

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Add water, sugar and blackberries to a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring to dissolve sugar. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  • Mash the berries with a potato masher and let sit for 10 minutes to flavor the sugar water.
  • Strain with cheesecloth or a fine sieve into a clean jar. 
  • Let cool completely then store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

I figured 1/2 ounces as a serving. A recipe will call for 1/2 – 1 ounce depending on what you are making. When finished cooking, you will end up with less than 1 cup as the water evaporates and maybe slightly different each time you make it. 
  • The flavors of flavored simple syrups can be pretty subtle. For a bolder blackberry taste, muddle fresh blackberries in the cocktail along with this syrup. 
  • This syrup is even delicious when added to simple club soda or mocktails as well as cocktails. 
  • Frozen blackberries can work in a pinch but I’ve found that the flavor is slightly reduced.
  • Many recipes add a tsp of fresh lemon juice to add a little brightness. I find that it can sometimes overpower the berry flavor. But feel free to try it both ways and let me know which way you prefer!
  • The lemon juice might also help the simple syrup from becoming crystallized. If you notice that the sugars are reacting with my recipe, make a note to add the lemon juice next time. I don’t usually have trouble with crystals forming in my climate.
  • Some berries can stain! Take care when straining and transferring to a jar!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5ounces | Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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