Blackberry Simple Syrup (Cocktail Syrup) and 31 Ways to Use It!

If you're looking to add a fruity twist to your favourite drinks, try this effortless blackberry simple syrup recipe. See our list of 31 uses for Blackberry simple syrup!

In just 10 minutes and with only three ingredients, you can create a flavourful syrup that works well in cocktails, mocktails, iced teas, sodas and even as a topping for cheesecakes, yoghurt and ice creams. It's a versatile syrup that brings a touch of sweetness and zest to your beverages and desserts.

This blackberry simple syrup recipe is a great way to make use of the berry season, particularly if you have an excess of berries from your garden.

If you're not fortunate enough to have an abundance of fresh berries, or if it's not the right time of year, frozen blackberries work just as well. In fact, that's what we typically use!

It's a fuss-free way to indulge in the rich, sweet taste of blackberries, bringing a touch of summer to your drinks and bakes.

This homemade blackberry syrup recipe is delicious as a drizzle over this no-bake white chocolate and ginger cheesecake.

Ingredients needed

**Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients.

Blackberries

Both frozen and fresh blackberries work perfectly well for this recipe.

Frozen blackberries are often cheaper than fresh and in reality, they are just as fresh, if not fresher because they are frozen straight after they have been picked.

The only difference might be that frozen berries will take a minute or two longer to come up to a simmer over the heat.

White sugar

Use normal granulated sugar. The sugar dissolves quite quickly once it starts heating up as the ratio to water is high at 1:1.

Personally, we would not recommend using brown sugar in this recipe as the flavour of the rich brown sugar will start interfering with the bright taste of the blackberries.

Water

Plain old tap water or filtered water is all you need.

Instructions

1. Add the blackberries to a medium saucepan along with the equal parts sugar and water.

2. Turn it to medium heat and gently move the blackberries around with a spoon. This will help distribute the heat and dissolve the sugar.

3. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer and turn the heat down to medium-low.

4. Continue simmering for around 6 minutes. You will notice that the blackberries are starting to look paler, the syrup brighter and the bubbles a dark reddish purple.
   
   If you'd like, you can check the back of a wooden spoon dipped in the syrup to see if all the sugar granules have dissolved, but it should be after this time.

5. Around the 6-minute mark, start to gently mash the berries into the liquid with a potato masher, or fork. Continue doing this for around 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

6. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl, or large jug, and pour the blackberry syrup into the sieve. Allow it to drip by itself for a minute or two.

7. Using a silicone spatula (this is the best tool for the job) or a spoon, mash and scrape the pulp around the sieve to squeeze as much of the liquid through the tiny holes as possible.

8. Pour the now strained syrup into a jug or mason jar. Let it cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge.

Variations

You can use this same method and measurements to make a strawberry simple syrup or even a mixed berry simple syrup.

How long does a homemade fruit-infused simple syrup last?

A fruit-based simple syrup like this one will last in the fridge for a week. Store it in an airtight container.

How to freeze

This is the good news, you can make a big batch and freeze it for when you need it.

• Pour the syrup into an ice cube tray and place it in the freezer until completely frozen.

• Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 6 months in the freezer.

• To defrost, place the plastic bag in a bowl in the fridge overnight to thaw.

• You can also add the frozen cubes to drinks!

31 Serving suggestions for blackberry simple syrup

Here's an exciting compilation of 31 amazing ways to unleash the magic of blackberry simple syrup in a wide array of non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails and culinary creations.

As a simple syrup for non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails

• Blackberry Lemonade: Mix blackberry simple syrup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and blackberries.

• Blackberry Mojito Mocktail: In a glass, muddle fresh mint leaves with blackberry simple syrup. Add lime juice and sparkling water. Stir well, add crushed ice and garnish with mint leaves and blackberries.

• Blackberry Spritzer: Combine blackberry simple syrup, sparkling water and a splash of cranberry juice or lime juice. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh blackberries and a mint sprig.

• Blackberry Fizz: Mix blackberry simple syrup with club soda or sparkling water. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and stir gently. Serve over ice and garnish with blackberries and a lemon twist.

• Blackberry Refresher: Combine blackberry simple syrup with chilled herbal tea (such as mint or chamomile) and a splash of lemon juice. Shake well, pour over ice and garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of herbs.

• Blackberry squash: Add to a cold glass of plain water.

• Fruity hot tea: Enhance your hot tea by incorporating the blackberry simple syrup for a bit of sweetness and fruity flavour.

• To 'treat' a cold: Add warm water for a hot comforting drink - or some might say a 'cold cure'.

• Freeze into ice cube trays and use the cubes to add flavour and colour to water.

As a blackberry cocktail syrup

The list is endless, but here is a list of some homemade cocktails you can make with the syrup:

• Blackberry Margarita: Add tequila, lime juice, blackberry simple syrup and ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lime wedge.

• Blackberry Gin Fizz: Add gin, blackberry simple syrup, fresh lemon juice and ice in a shaker. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh blackberries.

• Blackberry Bourbon Smash: Squash fresh mint leaves and blackberries in the bottom of a glass. Add bourbon, blackberry simple syrup and ice. Stir well, garnish with fresh mint and blackberries.

• Blackberry Vodka Lemonade: Add vodka, lemonade and blackberry simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh blackberries and lemon wedges.

• Blackberry Mojito: Jumble fresh mint leaves and blackberries in the bottom of a glass. Add rum, lime juice, blackberry simple syrup and ice. Top with club soda and garnish with fresh mint and blackberries.

• Blackberry Bellini: Mix blackberry simple syrup with sparkling wine/champagne for a sweet and fruity twist on a classic brunch cocktail.

• Blackberry Whiskey Sour: Combine whiskey, fresh lemon juice and blackberry simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass. Garnish with fresh blackberries and lemon wedges.

• Blackberry Daiquiri: Blend rum, lime juice, blackberry simple syrup and ice until smooth. Pour into a glass and garnish with fresh blackberries.

• Blackberry Sparkler: Mix blackberry simple syrup with club soda/sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink. Add a squeeze of lime juice and garnish with fresh blackberries.

• Blackberry Sangria: Mix red wine, brandy, orange juice, blackberry simple syrup and sliced fruit in a pitcher. Chill for an hour before serving.

• Blackberry Old Fashioned: Jumble fresh orange slices and a cherry in the bottom of a glass. Add bourbon, blackberry simple syrup and ice. Stir well, garnish with fresh blackberries.

• Blackberry Collins: Mix gin, fresh lemon juice, blackberry simple syrup and club soda in a glass with ice. Garnish with fresh blackberries and lemon wedges.

• Blackberry Moscow Mule: Combine vodka, lime juice and blackberry simple syrup in a copper mug filled with ice, give it a stir, top it off with ginger beer and garnish with fresh blackberries and a lime wedge.

• Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade: Mix whiskey, blackberry simple syrup and lemonade in a glass filled with ice, stir well, garnish with fresh blackberries and a lemon slice.

• Blackberry mint julep: Muddle fresh mint leaves in a glass, add bourbon, blackberry simple syrup and crushed ice. Stir well to combine the flavours and garnish with additional mint leaves and fresh blackberries.

In food and baking

It's not just for a blackberry syrup cocktail! Cook the blackberry simple syrup for a few extra minutes longer to reduce it more, resulting in a thicker syrup which you can use in a variety of ways, for instance:

• Dessert Drizzle: Drizzle over cakes, cupcakes or cheesecakes to add a sweet and fruity touch. It can also be poured over vanilla ice cream, yoghurt or panna cotta.

• Salad Dressing: Incorporate into homemade salad dressings for a burst of fruity sweetness. Combine it with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and a touch of Dijon mustard for a delicious vinaigrette.

• Marinade Glaze: Use as a glaze for grilled or roasted meats. Brush it onto chicken, pork or even tofu during the cooking process to add a hint of sweetness and tang.

• Fruit Salad Enhancer: Toss fresh fruits with a drizzle of blackberry simple syrup to elevate the flavours and create a vibrant fruit salad. It adds a sweet twist and complements various fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches.

• Pancake or Waffle Syrup: Replace traditional maple syrup with blackberry simple syrup for a unique and fruity twist on pancakes, waffles or French toast. Warm the syrup before serving to enhance its pourability.

• Dessert Sauces: Transform blackberry simple syrup into a sauce by reducing it slightly on the stovetop. The syrup will thicken and intensify in flavour, making it a fantastic topping for desserts like crepes, pancakes or bread pudding.

• Yogurt Parfait Layer: Layer blackberry simple syrup with yoghurt and granola to create a vibrant and flavourful yoghurt parfait.

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