This easy blueberry simple syrup recipe turns fresh or frozen blueberries into the perfect liquid sweetener for cocktails, lemonade, iced coffee, and more! With just 4 ingredients and 20 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have homemade blueberry syrup that knocks the socks off any store-bought version.
I first learned about using infused syrups in culinary school, and since then I’ve loved creating custom flavors to enhance all my recipes! This versatile blueberry syrup turns ordinary drinks into something special! Stir it into lemonade for the perfect summer refresher, add it to cocktails for restaurant-quality drinks at home, or drizzle it into your morning iced coffee for a fruity twist (blueberry cold foam, anyone?!).
why this blueberry syrup recipe works:
🫐 bursting with berry flavor. This syrup adds an instant flavor upgrade to so many recipes, from morning coffee to mocktails, and yeah, even food, too!
🙌 all natural. Nothing artificial here! Unlike store-bought syrups, this one is made with REAL fruit, no corn syrup, and fresh lemon juice for a pop of flavor.
💰 money saving. Buying pre-made syrups can get expensive, fast. This homemade version is a fraction of the price, especially when berries are in peak season!
🛒 ingredients
See the recipe card for the exact quantities.
🍳 how to make blueberry simple syrup step-by-step
Step 1: Wash your blueberries and set them aside. Add the water to your saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat.
Step 2: Add the sugar to the saucepan and give it a good stir.
Step 3: When the sugar has dissolved, add your blueberries to the sugar water and simmer the mix over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. The liquid will reduce a bit, that’s okay!
Step 4: Add the lemon juice if you are using it, then take the pan off the heat.
Step 5: Strain the mix through a mesh sieve, using a spatula to help squeeze the juice out.
Step 6: Store your finished syrup in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
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💡tips & tricks for getting it right
🍽️ how to use your flavored simple syrup
cocktail recipes
Use blueberry simple syrup in place of regular simple syrup in any cocktail recipe. Blueberry works especially well in vodka and gin-based recipes!
- sparkling blueberry vodka lemonade – a classic summer beverage gets a sparkling makeover with this creative blueberry cocktail.
- blueberry lemon drop martini – make a flavorful martini using this syrup, vodka, and lemon juice!
- blueberry mojito– berries and mint work very well together! Use your syrup to give a blueberry twist to this classic rum cocktail!
mocktail recipes
You can also use this liquid sweetener to add fruity flavor to your favorite beverages without alcohol! I especially love using it in iced coffee and iced tea!
- blueberry lemonade – add this berry syrup to a lemonade recipe instead of granulated sugar for a berry twist!
- homemade blueberry soda pop – simple syrup + soda water = homemade blueberry soda!
- blueberry lattes – add in blueberry syrup to your morning latte for a delightful pick-me-up.
ℹ️ troubleshooting tips
- too thick – blueberries are very high in pectin, meaning they will easily gel up if heated for long at high temperatures. If you end up with a thicker syrup, you can thin it out by adding a bit more water, 2 TBSP at a time until it reaches the consistency you like.
- too thin – if your syrup isn’t thick enough, you can allow it to cook at a low simmer for longer. This lets more of the water evaporate and creates what is known as a rich syrup, which has a higher sugar to water ratio.
- too sour – if your blueberries are not fully ripe, they may have a very sour taste. You can reheat your syrup and add in more sugar 50g (1/4 cup) at a time until you get the desired sweetness level you like.
🔆 top tip
Try freezing simple syrups into smaller squeeze bottles for whenever the mood strikes! It’s a great way to keep flavorful syrups on hand throughout the year!
♻️ customize your blueberry syrup
- frozen berries – if you don’t have fresh blueberries on hand, you can make this recipe using frozen blueberries!
- lavender – the addition of culinary grade lavender (dried or fresh) plays so nicely with blueberries!
- vanilla or cinnamon – add in half of a vanilla pod or a cinnamon stick while the syrup simmers to create a wonderfully comforting blueberry spiced syrup.
🧰 equipment needed & storage tips
Check out this post here for the ultimate guide of tools you need when you’re making syrups at home!
🫙 how to store homemade simple syrup
Store your blueberry syrup in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks. You can also freeze your syrup for longer storage.
💬 q+a
How long does the blueberry syrup last for?
Your syrup will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or you can freeze it for up to three months and defrost it to add to your favorite drinks later.
Do I need to refrigerate the syrup?
Yes. This syrup stores best in the fridge. Do not leave your simple syrup out for longer than 3-4 hours at room temperature.
Homemade Blueberry Simple Syrup Recipe (For Cocktails & Drinks)
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Equipment
- 1 1.5-quart saucepan
- 1 fine mesh strainer
- 1 storage container
- kitchen scale or measuring cups
Ingredients
- 148 g blueberries fresh or frozen, washed if fresh (1 cup)
- 200 g sugar granulated (1 cup)
- 237 g water filtered (1 cup)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh squeezed, optional
Instructions
- Prep berries. Wash fresh blueberries and set them aside.148 g blueberries
- Heat water. Heat water in small saucepan over medium-low heat.237 g water
- Add sugar. Add the sugar to the saucepan and stir until dissolved. Do not let the syrup boil, keep the heat at medium-low.200 g sugar
- Add berries + infuse. Once the sugar is dissolved, add in the blueberries and 1 tbsp of fresh squeezed lemon juice (if using) and simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes.1 tbsp lemon juice, 148 g blueberries
- Cool + strain. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the berries.
- Store. Store your simple syrup in an airtight container for up to two weeks in the fridge, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
ℹ️ troubleshooting tips
-
- too thick – blueberries are high in pectin, meaning they will easily gel up if heated for long at high temperatures. If you end up with a thicker syrup, you can thin it out by adding a bit more water, 2 TBSP at a time until it reaches the consistency you like.
-
- too thin – if your syrup isn’t thick enough, you can allow it to cook at a low simmer for longer (30-60 minutes). This lets more of the water evaporate and creates what is known as a rich syrup, which has a higher sugar to water ratio and a thicker consistency.
-
- too sour – if your blueberries are not fully ripe, they may have a very sour taste. You can reheat your syrup and add in more sugar 50g (1/4 cup) at a time until you get the desired sweetness level you like.
♻️ customize your blueberry syrup
- frozen berries – if you don’t have fresh blueberries on hand, you can make this recipe using frozen blueberries!
- lavender – the addition of culinary grade lavender (dried or fresh) plays nicely with blueberries!
- vanilla or cinnamon – add in half of a vanilla pod or a cinnamon stick while the syrup simmers to create a wonderfully comforting blueberry spiced syrup.
