Mixed Berry Syrup Recipe - The Carefree Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How long does homemade berry syrup last in the fridge? ›

If you are making it for a quick recipe or event, popping it into the fridge for a few days is just fine, as refrigerated syrups generally last a few weeks (though the flavor is at its freshest during that first week).

Make a 1:1 ratio of cornstarch and water.

In a small bowl, combine equal amounts of cornstarch and warm water, starting with 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of each. Mix them together with a spoon until they form a gritty paste. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that won't change the flavor of your syrup.

Store it in the cleanest bottle you have, which you should always do. If you bottle syrup when it's still hot, the heat will sterilize the inside of the bottle and further prevent mold from growing for a very long time.

Depending on the recipe and how you store the syrup, it can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. The primary factor that will impact the shelf life of your syrup is how it is stored.

The short answer is technically no, syrup does not expire.

Refrigerator: this Mixed Berry Syrup will last for up to 1 month in the fridge, as long as it is kept in a jar or another airtight container. Freezer: you can also transfer the syrup to freezer bags and freeze flat for up to 6 months. To thaw, just transfer to the refrigerator overnight.

When making berry syrups at home, the product can either be canned or frozen. When canning berry syrups, leave ½ inch headspace in jars and process in a boiling water bath canner. If freezing berry syrups, leave 1 inch of headspace in jars to allow for expansion during freezing.

If you think the syrup is done, take it off the fire and let it cool a bit. As it cools it should start to thicken if it has turned into syrup. If the syrup is still not thick enough it can be returned to the heat and boiled some more.

Citric Acid is the recommended acid for use with the Sodium Benzoate. However, most other approved food acids such as phosphoric, tartaric and Malic acids will suffice. Simple syrup can be preserved for months by adding 1 ounce of sodium benzoate with ¼ ounce of citric acid, per gallon of simple syrup.

Put simple syrup in an airtight container.

Don't choose glass if you plan the freeze the simple syrup, however. A bottle with a pour spout is perfect for adding simple syrup to co*cktails. Exchange the spout for an airtight lid when storing the syrup in the fridge.

What can you add to simple syrup to make it last longer? ›

According to Camper English of Alcademics, the shelf life of simple syrup can be lengthened two ways: upping the ratio of sugar to water, or adding neutral spirit.

Unopened bottles of triple sec last indefinitely when stored properly. Even after they've been opened, properly stored bottles can last up to a year or longer. The liqueur won't necessarily go bad after that long, but the taste might start to change.

Refrigerating simple syrup extends its shelf life and slows the future growth of bacteria. You can keep it at room temperature, but it will go bad much faster. If you plan use up it up within a few days, it can be stored at room temperature. Otherwise I highly recommend storing it in the fridge or freezer.

Keep your mixture at medium heat when mixing it in a saucepan on the stovetop. It doesn't need to boil. Using distilled water helps crystals from forming, however crystallization still happens if the simple syrup is placed in the fridge or if the 2 parts water to 1 part sweetener ratio isn't followed.

Unflavored syrup can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month. However, flavored syrups (especially fruit-flavored) should be used within 2 weeks of when they're made. I usually keep mine in a mason jar but any airtight container with a good lid will work great.

Syrups must be processed before storing at room temperature. Once opened, the syrups should be stored in the refrigerator. If freezer space is available, the syrups may be frozen instead of canned. Be sure to leave 1-inch headspace to allow room for expansion during freezing.

Infused simple syrup: By adding herbs, spices, or fruit you've greatly reduced the shelf life of your simple syrup. Mostly due to the fact that those added fresh ingredients will start to break down. If stored properly, and infused simple syrup will last for 1-2 weeks.

Homemade Strawberry Syrup Tips

Homemade strawberry syrup, stored in a glass jar, will last up to 1 month in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, you can process it in canning jars in a water bath; the process time is 15 minutes. Kept in a cool, dark place, canned syrup will last up to a year.