Whip up this easy blueberry simple syrup with just three ingredients! Ready in 15 minutes, the homemade pantry staple is the perfect way to flavor everything from coffee and lemonade to cocktails and desserts. For more like this, try cardamom simple syrup!
What is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is just what it sounds like, a quick mix of sugar and water that turns into a smooth liquid sweetener. It blends right in, making it perfect for coffee, cocktails, mocktails, iced tea, lemonade, and dessert recipes.
Classic simple syrup calls for a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, simmered until the sugar dissolves. You can infuse simple syrups with extras like fresh herbs, warm spices (think cardamom or cinnamon), vanilla, citrus, lavender, or fresh fruit like blueberries!
That’s where this easy recipe comes in—blueberry simple syrup. You only need three ingredients, and you can make it at home in less than 20 minutes. Use it in a blueberry latte, brush it onto cake layers or cupcakes, or stir a little into French toast, pancake, or waffle batter for a fruity upgrade.
Key Ingredients
Making this easy blueberry simple syrup recipe requires just a few simple ingredients: blueberries, water, and sugar. You only need one pot and no special equipment.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen blueberries impart a sweet blueberry flavor so that you can make the syrup any time of year.
- Water: Use water to dissolve the sugar and simmer the fresh blueberries to create a pourable consistency.
- Sugar: Classic simple syrup uses granulated sugar, but you can swap in brown sugar, honey, or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor.
Additions and Substitutions
- Can I use frozen blueberries? Absolutely! And there is no need to thaw the berries, just toss them straight into the pot. They’ll take a little longer to cook, and because frozen blueberries release extra liquid as they simmer, I recommend using slightly less water.
- Try different mix-ins. Stir in orange or lemon zest, or add a sprig of mint, basil, or thyme for extra flavor. Warm up the syrup by adding a cinnamon stick, fresh ginger, or a couple of whole cloves.
- Thicken the syrup. If you prefer a thicker syrup to drizzle, just simmer a little longer until it reduces.
- Experiment with different berries. Swap the blueberries for raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
- Adjust the sweetness level. A classic simple syrup calls for equal parts water and sugar, but since blueberries add natural sweetness, I like to use ½ cup sugar to 1 cup water. Feel free to add more or less depending on how sweet you want it.
Equipment
All you need is a medium saucepan and a wooden spoon to make this homemade syrup. For a smoother finish, you can press the berries through a fine mesh sieve using a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
How to Make Blueberry Simple Syrup
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Add blueberries, sugar, and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: As the blueberries simmer, lightly mash them with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to release their juices and intensify the flavor.
Step 3: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass jar or airtight container, pressing the berries to extract as much liquid as possible. Let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour before refrigerating.
Tip
Don’t throw away the strained blueberries. Keep them on hand for smoothies and milkshakes, or spoon them over ice cream, oatmeal, yogurt, or one of these overnight oats recipes.
Expert Tips
- Taste the blueberries. Taste test the berries to determine how much sugar to include, since blueberries can range from sweet to tart.
- Simmer the berries. Let the blueberries slowly release their juices over a gentle simmer, creating a vibrant, flavorful syrup. Boiling the berries will cause the syrup to thicken or burn.
- Strain the syrup. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the blueberries for a smooth syrup.
- Let it cool. Once the sugar dissolves, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for one hour before using it.
If you enjoy this blueberry simple syrup, try it with one of these delicious recipes!
Ways to Use Blueberry Simple Syrup
Blueberry simple syrup is an easy, make-ahead staple that keeps in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Stir the sweet syrup into fresh lemonade, matcha, iced tea, cocktails or mocktail recipes, sparkling water, or your morning coffee. Hello, blueberry lattes!
Add it to chia pudding, overnight oats, or batter for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. You can brush it onto cake layers, spoon it over yogurt or vanilla ice cream, or even whisk it into a glaze for chicken, pork, or salmon.
What To Do With Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store the blueberry simple syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to use it recipes like coffee and dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best ratio for simple syrup?
The ratio of sugar to water can vary depending on the desired sweetness, but I typically use equal parts sweetener and water (1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water). However, since blueberries can range from sweet to tart, I recommend tasting the blueberries beforehand and adjusting the sugar accordingly.
More Recipes with Blueberries:
Blueberry Simple Syrup
- 1 cup (8 ounces) blueberries, washed
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add blueberries, sugar, and water to a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- As the blueberries simmer, lightly mash them with the back of a spoon or a potato masher to release their juices and intensify the flavor.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a glass jar or airtight container, pressing the berries to extract as much liquid as possible. Let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour before refrigerating.
- Taste the blueberries. Taste test the berries to determine how much sugar to include, since blueberries can range from sweet to tart.
- Simmer the berries. Let the blueberries slowly release their juices over a gentle simmer, creating a vibrant, flavorful syrup. Boiling the berries will cause the syrup to thicken or burn.
- Strain the syrup. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate the blueberries for a smooth syrup.
- Let it cool. Once the sugar dissolves, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for one hour before using it.