This 4-ingredient blueberry syrup is fruity & sweet, with a hint of lemon, and perfect for adding to lemonade, cocktails, over pancakes, cheesecake, and more! Sugar-free options included!
Rinse the berries if desired. Dissolve the cornstarch with a small amount of water.
Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat over medium-high to bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat and gently simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the berries will begin bursting to infuse the syrup with flavor, and the mixture will thicken (it will further thicken as it cools).For a clear syrup, don't mash the berries too much. Just let them naturally infuse and burst.
For a thick compote-like sauce, you can enjoy it as-is.For a thin syrup, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the blueberry pulp.Alternatively, for a slightly thicker, opaque blueberry coulis, blend the mixture (in a blender or using an immersion blender) before optionally straining it.
Pour the syrup into a sterilized, airtight bottle or jar if you plan to save some for later.
Video
Notes
To thicken the syrup: Add more cornstarch if needed at the end, increasing the heat and stirring constantly until thickened.
To extend the shelf life: Some claim adding a splash of vodka to syrup can extend the shelf life.
Tweak the ratios: Simple syrup uses a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water, but feel free to tweak the amount of sugar (and lemon juice) to preference.
Use the leftover pulp: If you strain the syrup, there's no reason to discard the sweet blueberry pulp. It will work well scooped over yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, oatmeal, etc.
Adjust the texture and consistency: Blueberry simple syrup vs. blueberry sauce vs. blueberry coulis - You can technically make all three from this one recipe. Here's what sets them apart:
Blueberry simple syrup: Simmer the mixture of berries, sugar, and water, then sieve it for a smooth syrup.
Blueberry coulis: Blend the simmered berry mixture and optionally strain it for a thicker, syrupy sauce.
Blueberry compote/sauce: Simmer the mixture until the berries are just beginning to break down, then serve it as is.
Optional add-ins:
Vanilla: Use 1-2 vanilla pods scraped at the beginning or some extract at the end.
Spices: i.e., cinnamon, ginger, or pumpkin pie spice add a warming flavor.
Florals: A pinch of dried culinary lavender, or some rosewater, adds subtle floral depth.
Mint: Infuse fresh mint leaves with the syrup, then remove them before serving.
Other herbs: Rosemary or thyme pair well with this syrup.
Chili: Add heat with finely chopped/sliced chilies (like jalapeño or habanero).
Alcohol: Add a splash of vodka, rum, amaretto, Grand Marnier, etc.
Coconut water: Replace the water with coconut water for a subtle nutty depth.
Other berries: Combine or swap the blueberries with blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.