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Blueberry Simple Syrup: A Sweet and Versatile Syrup for Drinks and Desserts

There’s something about blueberries that feels like summer. Their naturally sweet and tangy flavor, deep color, and versatility make them perfect for crafting a delicious, fruit-forward syrup. Whether you’re mixing up cocktails, making a refreshing iced tea, or looking for a way to sweeten your breakfast pancakes, blueberry simple syrup is your go-to.

This easy recipe transforms just a few simple ingredients into a flavorful syrup that’s bright, berry-filled, and incredibly useful in both drinks and dishes. It’s perfect for seasonal entertaining, mocktail mixers, or drizzling over a stack of waffles on a cozy weekend morning. Even better, it works just as well with frozen berries, so you can enjoy this syrup any time of year.

Ingredients

White Sugar
The foundation of the syrup, sugar dissolves into the water and preserves the blueberry flavor with the perfect amount of sweetness.

Filtered Water
Provides the base for the syrup, allowing the berries and sugar to combine into a smooth, pourable consistency.

Fresh Blueberries
Blueberries add fruity depth, a rich purple color, and their signature sweet-tart flavor. You can also use frozen blueberries with excellent results.

Lemon Juice
A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness, enhancing the flavor of the blueberries.

Directions

  1. Begin by washing your blueberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and blueberries. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes. During this time, the blueberries will soften and begin to release their juices, giving the syrup a vibrant purple hue and rich flavor.
  4. Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  5. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Then, strain it using a fine mesh strainer, pressing the berries gently to extract every bit of liquid.
  6. Pour the finished syrup into a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Delicious Ways to Use Blueberry Syrup

Once you’ve made this homemade blueberry syrup, you’ll find it has countless uses—from drink upgrades to dessert drizzles. Here are some tasty ideas:

  • Iced Tea & Lemonade – Add a spoonful to turn basic drinks into refreshing berry-flavored beverages.
  • Cocktails & Mocktails – Mix with gin, vodka, or rum for a fruity twist, or combine with soda water and lime for a non-alcoholic treat.
  • Sparkling Water – Make your own blueberry soda by adding syrup to fizzy water and a squeeze of lemon.
  • Coffee & Espresso Drinks – Use it to flavor cold brew or iced lattes for a blueberry mocha vibe.
  • Pancakes & Waffles – Drizzle warm syrup over your favorite breakfast foods for a gourmet touch.
  • Yogurt Bowls & Oatmeal – Add to Greek yogurt or overnight oats for natural sweetness and fruity flair.
  • Ice Cream Topping – Pour over vanilla or lemon ice cream for an instant fruit sundae.
  • Cakes & Muffins – Use it as a soak for cakes or mix into muffin batter for added moisture and blueberry flavor.

Tips and Variations

  • Use Frozen Berries – Frozen blueberries work perfectly, making this recipe ideal year-round. No need to thaw beforehand—just toss them in the pot.
  • Try Other Berries – This method works with almost any berry. Substitute blackberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a new flavor.
  • Add Herbs – Infuse the syrup with a sprig of rosemary, thyme, or mint during cooking for an herbal twist. Just remove the herb before straining.
  • Make it Spicy – Add a slice of fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick while simmering for a warm, spiced variation.
  • Reduce the Sugar – If you prefer a less sweet syrup, you can slightly reduce the sugar without compromising flavor.

Don’t Toss the Berries!

After straining, you’ll be left with a delicious blueberry mash that’s perfect for repurposing. Don’t waste it! Try mixing the strained fruit into:

  • Muffins or cake batter
  • Smoothies or smoothie bowls
  • Yogurt or cottage cheese
  • Oatmeal or overnight oats
  • Toast or biscuits

This adds texture, flavor, and nutrition while reducing kitchen waste—a win-win!

Your Turn!

Blueberry simple syrup is one of those small kitchen creations that delivers big impact. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a sweet, versatile syrup that works beautifully across drinks, meals, and desserts. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, crafting a signature cocktail, or simply adding something special to your morning coffee, this syrup is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s made from real ingredients, no preservatives, and full of bold, juicy flavor. Try it out with fresh or frozen berries and keep a jar ready in the fridge to add that extra burst of blueberry goodness to whatever you’re making.

I prefer to store my simple syrups in mason jars, and use lids like pour lids from Mason Jar Lifestyle. Alternatively, I also like to use these bottles which are aesthetic!

Check Out My Cookbook, Simple Syrups From Scratch!

Simple Syrups From Scratch—your go-to cookbook with 50+ simple syrup recipes. In the world of cooking and baking, simple syrups are a secret ingredient that can elevate your beverages and desserts with just a splash.

The main way I use simple syrups is in coffee, but there are so many other uses: Hot chocolate, Teas, Lemonades, Sparkling water or infused water, Cocktails or mocktails, Drizzle over pancakes or waffles, Add to overnight oats, Brush over cakes or cupcakes to add moisture or sweetness, Use syrups in frosting or glazes, Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt, Add to smoothies or milkshakes, Make salad dressings, Homemade popsicles and so much more!

Check Out My Cookbook, From Scratch!

I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.

From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:

Check Out The Pantry Labels

In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.

Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.


Blueberry Simple Syrup

Maria Watkins, LivingPlanetFriendly
a sweet, fruity syrup used in cocktails, mocktails, teas and more—a great topping for pancakes, waffles & desserts 
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Ingredient
Servings 12 ounces

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Begin by washing your blueberries thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and blueberries. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes. During this time, the blueberries will soften and begin to release their juices, giving the syrup a vibrant purple hue and rich flavor.
  • Once the mixture has thickened slightly, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  • Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Then, strain it using a fine mesh strainer, pressing the berries gently to extract every bit of liquid.
  • Pour the finished syrup into a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Notes

follow these steps with any other berries, like blackberries, berries can be frozen
Keyword Simple Syrups

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