BLACKBERRY SODA WITH HOMEMADE BLACKBERRY SYRUP
Flavored syrups are one of my favorite parts of drink-making, whether they be boozy or not. Not only are they easy to make, they are also super versatile. This blackberry syrup is great in sodas or cocktails, but I’ m warning you, if you pour it over vanilla ice cream, you might not survive the explosion of deliciousness. You can also drizzle it over yogurt, stir a little into a cup of tea or pour it straight over crushed ice, snow-cone style.
For the syrup( makes about 1¾ cups):
2 cups fresh blackberries, washed 1 cup sugar ¼ cup water ½ lime, juice and zest
For the sodas:
Sparkling water( or ginger ale, lemon-lime soda or other sparkling beverage you want to add flavor to)
Fresh blackberries or lime wedges, for garnish
To prepare the syrup:
In a pot over medium heat, add the blackberries, sugar, water, lime juice and zest. Let cook for 4 – 6 minutes, or until the blackberries have softened and can be easily squished against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon. Then, do that. Squish the berries with the back of the spoon until all of the berries are broken down. Make sure you’ re wearing an apron to protect your clothes from potential spatters.
Once the sugar is completely dissolved and the berries are broken down, pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. I suggest setting the bowl in the sink to help mitigate splashes. Reserve the berry pulp for mixing into vanilla ice cream or spreading on toast.
Let the syrup cool, then transfer to a tightly lidded bottle or jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
To prepare the sodas:
Add 2 – 4 tablespoons blackberry syrup to a glass with ice. Top with sparkling water( about 8 – 12 ounces, or to taste), and stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh berries or a wedge of lime.
NOTE …
To make these sodas boozy, add about an ounce of white rum, tequila, gin or other liqueur.
Recipe by Willow, Will Cook For Friends
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