Raspberry Simple Syrup

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This raspberry simple syrup is an easy, three ingredient syrup that is perfect for drinks or cocktails. Make a batch in under 15 minutes and use it in a variety of ways. Experiment with creative craft cocktails, or use it for teas, lemonades or homemade soda.

Homemade fruit-flavored simple syrups are great to have on hand to create a variety of drink recipes. For other simple syrup recipes, try this blueberry simple syrup, this peach simple syrup, this strawberry simple syrup, this pear simple syrup or this blackberry simple syrup.

You can also make simple syrup out of herbs, such as this basil simple syrup or this thyme simple syrup.

Jump to:

• Recipe Highlights
• What Is Simple Syrup?
• Cocktails With Raspberry Simple Syrup
• Other Ways To Use Raspberry Syrup
• Ingredients
• Equipment
• Instructions
• Storage
• Expert Tips
• FAQ
• 📖 Recipe

Recipe Highlights

• This raspberry simple syrup takes only 15 minutes to make a large batch that will last you for several weeks.
• It is made with only 3 ingredients and all the raspberry flavor comes directly from fresh raspberries for a natural taste with no artificial flavoring.
• It is much less expensive to make your own raspberry syrup at home, rather than buying it store bought.
• It has an incredibly powerful raspberry flavor. You only need a small amount of syrup to flavor any kind of drink.
• It’s so versatile! You can use this syrup to create a variety of drinks such as cocktails, lemonade and teas.

What Is Simple Syrup?

Simple syrup is essentially a liquid sweetener that is most often used by bartenders to create cocktails. It can also be used to soak into cake layers and keep them moist. 

Simple syrup is made by heating a 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar and water in a saucepan until the sugar completely dissolves. This raspberry simple syrup infuses fresh raspberry flavor as the syrup is being made. 

Simple syrup’s liquid consistency makes it easy to dissolve and mix into drinks. 

It is not the same as pancake syrup, which is a thicker, richer and less sugary syrup.

Cocktails With Raspberry Simple Syrup

The most popular use for raspberry simple syrup is to make raspberry flavored cocktails. You can experiment creating your own raspberry cocktails, or try one of my favorites:

• Raspberry Martini: This vodka raspberry martini is a deliciously sweet & strong cocktail that is perfect for the holidays. It is easy to make a large batch for guests or just a couple at a time.

• Raspberry Moscow Mule: This fruity raspberry moscow mule is a refreshing summer cocktail that is easy to make. Made with homemade raspberry simple syrup, vodka, lime juice and topped with fizzy ginger beer.

• Bourbon Raspberry Cocktail: This bourbon raspberry cocktail is an easy craft cocktail to make at home. Made with bourbon, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, orange juice and a splash of club soda.

• Raspberry Gin Fizz: This bubbly raspberry gin fizz cocktail is a delicious, gin-based refreshing summer cocktail.

Other Ways To Use Raspberry Syrup

Raspberry simple syrup is not just for using in cocktails. Here are some other ideas for using it:

• Raspberry Lemonade: Add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup per glass of lemonade.
• Raspberry Iced Tea: Brew & chill a batch of black tea. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of raspberry syrup to sweeten and flavor the tea to your liking.
• Raspberry Soda: Mix in a couple tablespoons of raspberry syrup to a bottle of sparkling water.
• Raspberry Latte: Combine raspberry syrup, espresso or coffee and frothed milk for a raspberry-flavored latte. This is particularly tasty served as an iced latte.
• Ice Cream Topping: Drizzle a small amount over vanilla ice cream or a fruity sorbet.
• Yogurt Flavoring: Mix in a spoonful of syrup into plain yogurt, and add in a handful of granola to make a raspberry parfait.
• Cake Moistener: Spread the raspberry syrup over freshly baked cake layers to keep them moist and flavorful once stored in the fridge.
• Salad Dressing: Use a couple teaspoons of syrup to make fruity homemade salad dressings.

Ingredients

• Raspberries: If it is raspberry season, use fresh raspberries. This recipe is a great way to use up raspberries that are slightly past their prime and may be too mushy to eat. If it is not raspberry season, use frozen raspberries as a cheaper option.
• Sugar: Simple syrup is typically made with granulated sugar. However, if you want a richer, slightly caramel flavored syrup, you can replace this with brown sugar.
• Water: Water gives the syrup the proper consistency. Use filtered water to make sure your syrup has the purest taste.

Equipment

• A small saucepan to make the raspberry syrup in.
• A fork to break up the raspberry chunks as they cook.
• A fine mesh sieve to strain out the leftover raspberry chunks.
• A glass mason jar to store the syrup in.

Instructions

Step 1: Add the raspberries, sugar and water to a saucepan. 

Step 2: Heat the saucepan on medium to high heat, stirring occasionally. Use a fork to mash the raspberries, allowing them to release their juices. Continue to heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Step 3: Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the stove and pass the syrup through a fine mesh sieve. Discard the raspberry chunks. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using or storing.

Storage

• In the fridge: Let the raspberry syrup cool to room temperature. Then, store the syrup in an airtight glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 weeks.
• In the freezer: Let the syrup cool fully, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe glass jar for up to 2 months. Make sure to leave a bit of extra space in the jar to accommodate for the liquid expanding once frozen. To defrost, let the syrup thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Do not re-freeze the syrup once you have thawed it.
• Storage containers: Use glass rather than plastic containers for storing the syrup. Plastic containers can alter the taste of the syrup. The raspberry color can also stain the lining of the tupperware. Make sure to thoroughly clean and dry your glass jar before storing the syrup in it.

Expert Tips

• Don’t boil the syrup. Boiling the syrup can cause too much water to evaporate and result in a thick, goopy syrup. If the syrup starts to boil or vigorously simmer, reduce the temperature.
• If the syrup is too thick, add water. The syrup will thicken slightly as it cools. It should have the consistency of a thick water. If you find the syrup is too thick because it was boiled for too long, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water while heating on low.
• Save the leftover raspberry chunks. The leftover raspberry chunks are perfect for mixing into plain yogurt. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Don’t thaw frozen raspberries. If you are using frozen raspberries for this syrup, just add them into the saucepan straight from the freezer.

FAQ

Print

📖 Recipe