Blue Raspberry Syrup Recipe

I’ll guide you through making this Blue Raspberry Syrup from scratch, ensuring that every drop carries not just the essence of blue raspberry but also the love and care imbued by personal touch.

How to make Blue Raspberry Syrup

Blue Raspberry Syrup is a sweet, brightly colored syrup flavored to taste like “blue raspberry”—a popular artificial flavor that’s tangy, sweet, and slightly tart. Despite the name, blue raspberries don’t exist in nature.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar: The sweet base of your syrup.
• 1 cup of water: Needed to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup.
• 2 teaspoons of blue raspberry extract: This will give your syrup its distinctive blue raspberry flavor. It’s available in specialty food stores or online.
• A few drops of blue food coloring: This is what gives the syrup its vibrant color. The amount can be adjusted depending on how deep you want the color to be.
• A drop of red food coloring (optional): Adding just a hint can help achieve that perfect blue raspberry shade.
• 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid (optional): For that slight tartness reminiscent of real raspberries.

Instructions:

1. Combine Sugar and Water: In a medium saucepan, mix the granulated sugar and water. Stir to blend them together slightly before you begin to heat the mixture.
2. Heat: Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to dissolve the sugar completely into the water.
3. Add Flavor and Color: Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is clear, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the blue raspberry extract, followed by the blue food coloring (and the red, if using). Blend them thoroughly into the mixture to ensure a uniform color and flavor.
4. Adjust Tartness: If you used citric acid for that tangy kick, now’s the time to add it. Dissolve the citric acid in the mixture thoroughly.
5. Simmer: Continue to simmer the mixture for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, stirring constantly. This process combines all the elements and slightly thickens the syrup.
6. Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer your blue raspberry syrup into a clean bottle or airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Tips for Perfect Blue Raspberry Syrup:

• Strain for Clarity: If you find any undissolved sugar crystals or want to ensure your syrup is perfectly smooth, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before bottling.
• Shelf Life: Homemade syrup can last for up to a month in the refrigerator if stored properly in a clean, airtight container.
• Natural Variation: For those looking for a more natural recipe, you can try substituting the artificial blue raspberry extract and food coloring with natural alternatives. Blue spirulina powder works wonders for coloring, and a combination of raspberry and blueberry juices can be reduced to mimic the flavor profile.
• Serving Suggestions: Your blue raspberry syrup is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over ice cream, stir it into lemonade, or use it to craft vibrantly hued cocktails.

What to serve with

Blue Raspberry Syrup is a showstopper with its dazzling color and delightful sweet-tart flavor profile. Its versatility means it can be the star of the show or an excellent supporting cast member to a variety of dishes.

Desserts:

• Ice Cream & Frozen Treats: Pour blue raspberry syrup over vanilla ice cream for a beautiful contrast or drizzle it on sorbet for an extra fruit punch. It can also be layered in popsicles for a fun and fruity frozen treat.
• Cheesecake: A white or vanilla cheesecake can serve as an excellent canvas for your blue raspberry syrup, creating a stunning visual and a perfectly melded combination of flavors.
• Panna Cotta & Mousse: The creamy and subtle flavors of panna cotta or a light mousse can be elevated by drizzling blue raspberry syrup on top.
• Pancakes & Waffles: Move over, maple syrup! Smother pancakes or waffles with blue raspberry syrup for a breakfast that’s bursting with color and flavor.
• Lemon Pound Cake: The zesty flavor of lemon cake paired with the sweet tang of blue raspberry syrup makes a refreshing and delightful pairing.

Beverages:

• Sodas & Sparklers: Mix the syrup into carbonated water or club soda to create a custom blue raspberry soda. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for an extra zest.
• Cocktails & Mocktails: Brighten up spirits like vodka, gin, or rum with a splash of blue raspberry syrup. Combine with other mixers for a cocktail, or use it in mocktails for a non-alcoholic treat.
• Tea & Lemonade: Sweeten iced tea or lemonade with blue raspberry syrup for a color twist and flavor boost. You can even create layered drinks for a stunning visual effect.
• Milkshakes & Smoothies: Blend the syrup into milkshakes or smoothies for a fruity twist. The syrup mixes well with berries and other summer fruits.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Blue Raspberry Syrup at home can be a fun and rewarding endeavor. Sometimes, though, you might find yourself missing an ingredient or two. Luckily, there are several substitute options available for the typical components of homemade blue raspberry syrup.

Raspberries (or Artificial Blue Raspberry Flavor)

Substitutes for Fresh Raspberries: If fresh raspberries are not available, you can use frozen raspberries without any need for adjustment. In a pinch, other berries like blueberries or blackberries can serve as a substitute, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.

Substitutes for Blue Raspberry Flavor: If you’re aiming for that distinctly vibrant blue raspberry taste found in commercial products but don’t have access to artificial blue raspberry flavoring, consider mixing the raspberry extract with a touch of blue food coloring. While this won’t replicate the exact “blue raspberry” taste (which is a creation of the food industry), combining raspberry flavor with a vivid blue appearance can create a similar visual and somewhat comparable taste experience.

Sugar

Substitutes for Granulated Sugar: Granulated white sugar is the standard for syrups, but if you’re out, you can use light brown sugar. This will slightly alter the flavor, adding a hint of molasses. Honey or maple syrup can also be used as natural sweeteners, but keep in mind that they will introduce their distinct flavors and possibly affect the syrup’s consistency.

Water

Substitutes for Water: Generally, there’s no need to substitute water as it’s the universal solvent, but for a twist, you can use clear fruit juices like apple or white grape for part of the water to add depth to the flavor profile.

Citric Acid (for Tartness)

Substitutes for Citric Acid: If citric acid is not readily available to give your syrup that tart zing, lemon or lime juice can be a good substitute. They add tartness while complementing the raspberry’s fruity flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Blue Food Coloring

Substitutes for Blue Food Coloring: If you’re aiming to achieve the vibrant blue hue of blue raspberry syrup without artificial coloring, consider natural options like spirulina powder or butterfly pea flower tea. Both offer natural blue pigmentation. Keep in mind that the intensity of color and the potential for flavor impact varies, so start with a small quantity and adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

Blue Raspberry Syrup isn’t just a treat for the palate but also for the eyes. Use it to bring a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor to your table, elevating the ordinary to something extraordinary.