Easy Berry Syrup Base
A vibrant and versatile berry syrup concentrate, perfect for crafting custom beverages, drizzling over desserts, or enhancing cocktails. Its simple process ensures a delicious, adaptable liquid for any culinary use.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed berries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine berries, sugar, water, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, mashing the berries gently with a spoon as they soften.
- Continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup has slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and allow the solution to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for flavor development.
- Strain the berry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bottle or jar, pressing on the solids to extract all liquid.
- Bring the final volume of the solution up to 2 cups with additional filtered water if needed, ensuring a consistent concentration.
- Store your homemade berry syrup base in the refrigerator.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, ripe berries. Strain the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth consistency. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Experiment with different berries or add aromatics like mint or ginger during heating.