How to Make Blackberry Simple Syrup

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Add sugar and stir until sugar dissolves.

Add blackberries. Cook at a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes or until blackberries are soft.

Remove from heat once the mixture starts to foam and rise up in the pot. (Note - this happens fast! Watch the syrup so it doesn’t boil over and make a sticky mess.)

Blackberry syrup foaming up on the stove.

Using a potato masher or spatula, gently crush the blackberries.

Allow the mixture to cool for at least 10-15 minutes or until it reaches room temperature.

Set a fine mesh strainer over a bowl. Pour blackberry mixture through the sieve.

Blackberry syrup being strained through a fine mesh strainer.

Discard the leftover berry pieces.

Pour syrup into a glass, airtight container.

Finished syrup being poured into a mason jar.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Tips

Let your syrup cool completely in the refrigerator before using it in your drinks. Blackberry syrup should be well chilled when used in cocktails or mocktails.
Want a thicker syrup? Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and continue to cook the syrup for 10-15 extra minutes after it begins to foam to further reduce the liquid. Be sure to stir consistently to help prevent the syrup from bubbling over. Continued cooking will create a thicker syrup that has the consistency of maple syrup. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Try These Simple Syrup Recipes

Strawberry Syrup in a glass bottle. — Strawberry Syrup

A pitcher of finished blueberry syrup. — Blueberry Syrup

Ways to Use Blackberry Simple Syrup

Homemade fruit syrup can be used in so many delicious ways.

Add 1-2 tablespoons to sweeten hot tea, iced tea or lemonade.
Add 1 teaspoon to an Old Fashioned cocktail, instead of the sugar.
Create a blackberry margarita by swapping out simple syrup for blackberry syrup in a classic margarita recipe.
Mix 2 oz blackberry simple syrup into 4-6 oz club soda for a homemade Italian Soda.

FAQs and Substitutions

What can I use besides white sugar?

White cane sugar or beet sugar works the best in this recipe. If you want to use a different sweetener, try agave nectar. It will change the flavor of the syrup slightly.

Do I have to use a glass bottle for my syrup?

Plastic containers can retain the smell of whatever was in them before, so stay away from plastic when you’re going to store syrup for a week or two. It can easily take on the flavor of whatever was previously stored in a plastic container. Glass containers don’t have this issue, making them ideal for storing drink syrups.

Can I use frozen blackberries in this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen blackberries straight from the freezer in this recipe instead of the fresh fruit. No need to thaw them first.

How long will blackberry syrup last?

When stored in the refrigerator, your blackberry simple syrup will keep for at least 2 weeks. Discard it as soon as it looks slightly cloudy or you see any change in color.