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This raspberry syrup recipe is full of fresh berry flavor! This versatile sweetener is perfect for using in cocktails or drizzling on pancakes and desserts. We love this syrup in a martini—but also on waffles and chocolate cake!
Why we love this recipe
Here’s a tasty kitchen trick you need to add to your arsenal: raspberry syrup! This easy recipe takes just a few minutes to make and is bursting with berry flavor. Try a little sip and you’ll be surprised at the magic made with just two ingredients!
The best part is that this syrup works for literally anything: cocktails, pancakes, waffles, and even flourless chocolate cake. Here’s what to know about this versatile syrup!
Two ingredients for raspberry syrup
This raspberry syrup takes only 2 ingredients! What we love about it is that only requires ½ cup of fresh raspberries, since these berries are typically pretty pricey. It’s actually perfect for raspberries that are about to go bad (hello, food waste solutions!).
Alex and I are cocktail experts and afficionados. We first created this recipe for raspberry cocktails like the classic Clover Club and Raspberry Martini. Then realized that it works for pancakes and waffles as well. A little goes a long way! Here’s what you’ll need for this raspberry syrup (outside of water):
- Raspberries
- Granulated sugar
Use fresh or frozen raspberries
You can use fresh or frozen berries for this raspberry syrup! Fresh is best here, because fresh berries tend to be a little sweeter and fruiter than frozen berries. But you’re balancing them with lots of sugar, so frozen works too.
Raspberry syrup is great for berries that are almost past their prime. Because the berries are already starting to break down, they’re just right for a syrup where you’ll break them down even further. Just make sure to sort through and make sure there are no moldy berries!
How to make raspberry syrup in 10 minutes
This raspberry syrup has just a few easy steps. Here’s the basic outline of the recipe (or jump to the recipe below):
- Heat the water & sugar over medium heat in a saucepan until it dissolves.
- Add the berries and cook 5 minutes, until the raspberries fully break down. Watch the heat to make sure it doesn’t bubble over.
- Pass the sauce through a fine mesh strainer. Use a spatula to force the sauce through the strainer until you have a clear liquid and all the seeds are strained out.
Ways to use raspberry syrup
This syrup is endlessly versatile! It’s perfect for cocktails, but it’s just as good on pancakes. That’s an all purpose raspberry syrup for you! Raspberry compote and raspberry sauce are chunky and only works on cakes, but since the syrup is strained it’s much more versatile. Here are the top ways to use it:
- Cocktails: Try the classic Clover Club or a raspberry martini.
- Chocolate cake: A little drizzle on flourless chocolate cake is heavenly, or try it on chocolate zucchini cake.
- Cheesecake: Make this crustless cheesecake with raspberries.
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt: It’s an instant dessert over vanilla ice cream or homemade frozen yogurt.
- Yogurt: Make a snack by drizzling over Greek yogurt with toasted pecans.
- Pancakes or waffles: Drizzle it over Greek yogurt pancakes, banana oatmeal pancakes, waffles, or vegan waffles.
Dietary notes
This raspberry syrup recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Frequently asked questions
Stored in a sterilized airtight container in the refrigerator, raspberry syrup can last for up to 3 weeks.
You can experiment with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. However, keep in mind that these alter the flavor and consistency of the syrup.
Yes, you can freeze raspberry syrup in ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Easy Raspberry Syrup
This easy raspberry syrup recipe is full of fresh berry flavor! This versatile sweetener is perfect for using in cocktails or drizzling on pancakes and desserts. As two cocktail experts, we first developed this syrup for drinks: but we love it on just about anything!
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Essentials
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, but fresh is preferred)
Instructions
- Place the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the raspberries and cook until the berries break down, about 5 to 6 minutes, turning the heat to low when it starts to boil. Break down the berries with a spatula as needed. Once the berries are fully broken down, strain the syrup into a jar using a fine mesh sieve or strainer: use a spatula to force it through until all the seeds are strained out.
- Allow to cool: the syrup will thicken more as it cools. Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.
More raspberry recipes
Got berries? We love bright red raspberries: usually by the handful! But if you’re looking for more ways to use them, we’ve got raspberry recipes:
- Go frozen with Raspberry Sorbet or Raspberry Sherbet.
- Blend up a creamy and tangy Raspberry Smoothie.
- Drizzle your salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette.
- Try Raspberry Iced Tea or Easy Raspberry Lemonade.
I just made this recipe for the raspberry syrup and when I measured out a half a cup of raspberries I decided to just throw in the pint which is 6 oz (minus 3 or 4 I ate) and it came out great!
It made exactly 1 cup.
We just take fresh organic raspberries (about 20), muddle them up and then using a small flexible spatula force the paste thru a small fine mesh strainer. Shake with fresh lime juice and dark rum.
Makes an incredibly fresh daiquiri!
We never use any sugar for drinking or eating. At most maple syrup.
me encanto la receta!! una consulta sirve para rellenar bombones que van a estar un par de horas fuera de la heladera?? gracias!!
Could I use the leftover simple syrup from the candied lemon peels?
I’m not sure what you are referring to.
Hi, the recipe looks great, but do you have any that would be more Keto friendly?
We don’t have keto focused recipes, sorry!
Fantastic receipe thank you
Love, love, love.
We have made this with raspberries and blackberries.
Love putting it in lemonade.
Can I use this recipe for a spritzer (Mixing with club soda) as a drink?
Yes!
It doesn’t get any easier than this. I have found a way to like raspberries. delicious! Great on crepes with Nutella or with bananas.
This syrup is easy and tastes fantastic. Will add it to top off my peach and raspberry cobbler. Thank you!