Blueberry simple syrup is a quick, three-ingredient syrup you can make in about 15 minutes. Here’s a reliable, easy method plus a couple of quick variations to suit your needs. Direct method
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, water, and sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for about 5–10 minutes, mashing the berries lightly with a spoon to release flavor, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a jar or bottle, pressing gently on the berries to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard solids.
- Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. It will keep about 1–2 weeks in the fridge.
Flavor brighteners (optional)
- Lemon juice or zest: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice or a small amount of zest during simmering to brighten the flavor and help balance sweetness.
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract (about 1/4 teaspoon) can add depth, especially for cocktails or desserts.
Alternative approaches
- 3-ingredient version (as commonly shared): blueberries, water, and sugar in equal parts (1:1:1 by volume) with optional lemon juice. This is essentially the same method but emphasizes equal parts.
- Frozen blueberries: They work well; they may release flavor a bit faster. You might simmer an extra minute or two to account for the ice melt.
Storage tips
- Use in cocktails, pancakes, yogurt, or desserts.
- For longer freshness, store in a clean bottle with a tight lid in the fridge. If you notice any off smells or colors, discard.
Quick tips for best results
- Don’t overcook the berries; you want flavor without turning the syrup into a chunky puree.
- Straining twice helps keep the syrup smooth and free of pulp.
- If the syrup thickens after refrigeration due to pectin, simply re-warm and whisk to loosen before use.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to your needs (dietary tweaks, sugar-free options, or a thicker syrup for drizzling).
