My spirit of choice is usually bourbon, but sometimes I like a good gin drink. Adding a splash of my homemade blueberry syrup really made me love this gin and tonic recipe! The blueberry simple syrup recipe is included below. It’s refreshing and fruity, and you can even make it ahead of time if you like. All in all, this is a delicious and easy cocktail recipe to have on hand for all your summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues. Try serving this as an aperitif when your guests arrive—it’s sure to get everyone in the mood for a special dinner.
Pro-tip: Use a kitchen scale to measure your blueberries!
The syrup is quite easy to make, especially because you can choose between fresh and frozen blueberries. Either way, I urge you to weigh the berries out so you get exactly the right flavor and consistency. I have found that a small kitchen scale is an essential “must-have” item. I use mine all the time for cakes and bakes—and my blueberry syrup always comes out just right!
How to Store Homemade Blueberry Simple Syrup (and Other Simple Syrups, too!)
You can store this homemade syrup in the refrigerator. If you decide to make it ahead of time, wait until it’s cooled down, then just pop it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
What to Pair with Blueberry Syrup
This delicious simple syrup is terrific in cocktails and mocktails, of course. And if you have any left over, don’t forget to try it on my Dutch Baby Pancakes as well! Here are some more recipes to drizzle:
More Cocktail Recipes
If you’re looking for more fun cocktails or mocktails to serve this summer, here are some of my warm-weather favorites!
Homemade Blueberry Simple Syrup Recipe
Level up your mixology game with this easy, homemade blueberry simple syrup! Make sure to try it in my Blueberry Gin and Tonic with Homemade Blueberry Simple Syrup!
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine the berries, water, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the mixture for 7 to 10 minutes to reduce it slightly. Use the back of a spoon to mash the blueberries as they soften.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes.
- Place the mixture into a blender and pulse to smooth it out. The mixture will be fairly smooth but may have a few berry pieces still in it. It’s your choice if you would like to process it through a strainer or enjoy it as is.
- You can use the simple syrup immediately or once completely cooled, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Blueberry Gin and Tonic Recipe
Here’s a fruity summer cocktail recipe that’s not too sweet. Serve it as an aperitif if you want to impress your friends and family right off the bat!
Ingredients
Instructions
- If you like, chill two cocktail glasses. Fill the glasses with ice. Divide 4 tablespoons of the syrup between 2 ice-filled glasses. Divide the gin among the glasses and top each with tonic water to taste. Add more blueberry syrup if you want a bit more berry flavor and color. Finish with the garnish of your choice!
- For an alcohol-free version, simply use your favorite alcohol-free substitute. I like to use the brand Seedlip. Both their Seedlip Garden and Seedlip Notas de Agave are good choices for an alcohol-free substitute.
