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Midnight Blackberry & Vanilla Syrup

Midnight Blackberry & Vanilla Syrup combines juicy blackberries with a little lemon and warm vanilla for a deep purple syrup that looks wonderfully dramatic in a glass.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups blackberries fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or ½ vanilla bean split lengthwise

Instructions

  • Simmer the berries. Add the blackberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice to a small saucepan. If using a vanilla bean, add it now. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  • Release the flavor. Lightly mash the berries. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and the liquid deepens in color. Avoid a hard boil.
  • Strain. Remove the pan from the heat. Take out the vanilla bean, if used, and pour the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a heat-safe bowl or measuring cup. Press gently on the berries to extract the liquid. For a clearer syrup, let it drain without pressing.
  • Finish with vanilla. If using vanilla extract, stir it into the strained syrup now. Let the syrup cool, then transfer it to a clean bottle or jar and refrigerate promptly.

Notes

Tip: The syrup will thicken a little as it cools. If you prefer a thicker dessert drizzle, return the strained syrup to the saucepan and simmer it for a few more minutes before adding vanilla extract.