Why use blueberry simple syrup for cocktails?

Why not just blend or mash blueberries into a cocktail instead of going through the extra step to make this syrup? The answer is flavor and consistency. Mashing blueberries into a cocktail will add some blueberry flavor but it won’t be as strong a taste compared to using this syrup instead. Also, you will end up with small blueberry pieces in your drink if you mash or blend blueberries.

What mixes well with blueberries?

There are so many flavors that work well with blueberries! Some great ones to try when making cocktails are: lemon, honey, blackberries, ginger, mango, orange, peaches and pears.

How do you make simple syrup blue?

Although blueberries are blue on the outside, the inside color is more a purple-pink color. This means your drink will take on a more dark purple-pink-blueish color depending on how much you add. If you are looking for a true bright blue color in your cocktail, try adding blue curacao.

Do you need to refrigerate simple syrup?

Yes, absolutely! It will go bad very quickly if left out at room temperature. The fridge is the best place to store any leftover syrup.

Why does simple syrup go bad?

While simple syrup can last a long time, it can still go bad. This is because the water (and blueberries in this case), are susceptible to mold. Always inspect your simple syrup before using it and discard it if you see any mold or if it smells off.

Blueberry Simple Syrup - The Littlest Crumb

Description

This blueberry simple syrup is perfect for adding flavoring to any kind of drink such as cocktails, lemonade or tea. See the notes for how to alter this recipe to make a blueberry syrup perfect for pancakes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup blueberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water

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Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the blueberries, sugar and water to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the mixture from burning.
As the blueberries begin to break down with the heat, gently mash any blueberries that haven’t exploded to release the juices.
Continue to simmer the syrup for 10 minutes until it thickens up. The syrup will thicken even more as it cools down.
Remove the syrup from the heat and pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the blueberry chunks.
Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using in cocktails or drinks. Store any leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Notes

How to make blueberry syrup: Blueberry simple syrup and blueberry syrup are not the same thing. This recipe is for blueberry simple syrup which contains much more sugar and is intended to be used in drinks. To make a regular blueberry syrup for pouring on pancakes or waffles, decrease the amount of sugar from 1/2 cup to ¼ cup and follow the rest of the instructions as is.
Straining the blueberry chunks is optional. If you prefer a chunkier syrup, skip this step. The quantity of syrup yielded for this recipe will be slightly higher than stated.
Save the blueberry chunks. Save the strained blueberry chunks and mix them into plain yogurt for a tasty breakfast.
Thaw frozen blueberries. If using frozen blueberries rather than fresh ones, thaw the blueberries first and drain out most of the extra liquid to prevent diluting the syrup.
Storing the syrup: Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for a few weeks or freeze for 2-3 months in an ice cube tray.

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Syrup
Method: Cooked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tbsp
Calories: 39
Sugar: 9.6g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 0.1g
Cholesterol: 0mg