This blueberry syrup was inspired by… living!
This blueberry syrup was inspired by surprise sunny afternoons in Washington state. This sweet syrup was inspired by cart wheels in the grass… when you think you might be too old for cartwheels anywhere. It’s inspired by neighbor horses, nephew cats, and ferry boat rides. It is inspired by a Sunday afternoon visit to Vashon Island to see Gluten-free Girl and the Chef… we shared a meal, fed a horse, and entertained each other by dancing the the grass like stone-cold maniacs. It felt just like sweet sweet summer.
Charles, you’re a fine gentleman. Thank you for taking such good care of my little sister in Seattle.
Alone on a ferry.
Feels good and smells like going places.
Boat ropes.
I want this to be jewelry.
Vashon is green and romantic.
I feels like a lot of frogs and artists live here.
Vashon has all the room in the world for shed-side conversations and cartwheels.
You know you’re among your people when this happens…
… and when the beauty of simple things is amplified…
… and you’re welcomed with eggs, peas, and goat cheese.
… and you can go back for a second helping without even asking.
In Vashon, Shauna and Danny had a lovely jar of rose colored rhubarb syrup made for their homemade sodas. That seemed like just the ticket.
A syrup that’s simple, versatile and super summery.
I used frozen blueberries, because they’re easy and cost effective. I paired the frozen berries with filtered water, a good squeeze of lemon, and a small handful of mint leaves.
After a good boiling, a good straining, and another good boiling… this syrup is reduced from 3 cups to 2 cups.
It’s maple and blueberry sweet.
This syrup is wonderful paired with ice cold soda water. Add a splash of almond milk for a vegan Italian Soda.
Blueberry syrup is also bonkers delicious poured over vanilla ice cream.
And if you’re thinking that this syrup is perfect on pancakes… you’re 100% correct.
It’s beautiful out in the world… I hope you’re out in it, living well!
Maple Blueberry Syrup
makes 2 cups
3 cups water
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen blueberries, thawed of still frozen is fine.
juice of half a lemon
small handful of fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup maple syrup
soda water
In a saucepan, combine water, frozen blueberries, lemon juice (and why not toss in the entire half of lemon), mint leaves, and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Using a spatula, press the blueberries into the strainer, releasing any juices. Return the warm, strained liquid to the saucepan. Bring to a boil once again, reduce heat and simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until syrup is reduced to 2 cups of liquid.
Place in a jar and allow to cool in the refrigerator.
To make blueberry soda, add a few tablespoons of blueberry syrup to iced soda water. Enjoy!
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
What a great summer treat!!
Rachel
What an enchanting post. It really swept me away, which was what I needed today, thanks.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Yum! I need a new fun drink recipe and this syrup is sure to please!!
Anna @ the shady pine
Ok this blueberry syrup is completely amazing….if I may suggest a cocktail alternative. For a blueberry caprioska, add ice to a cocktail shaker, 1 shot blueberry syrup, 1 shot vodka, juice of half a lime and half cup of soda water. Shake and serve for a delicious berry cocktail.
Sara {Home is Where the Cookies Are}
Oh my goodness. When I saw the title, I thought I really was neither here-nor-there about maple blueberry syrup. Then I saw the picture and fell in love with it, and then even more after I read your post. I love it! Thank you for another super-summery lovely idea!
sweetmaddy
YUM I am making this asap, as it’s doable on my hotplate! Glad you enjoyed your visit to WA!
Claire Maxwell
This sounds dreamy. It’s on my to-do list.
Kathryn
I just love the idea of homemade sodas, what a wonderful way to enjoy summer.
Katie
I love this idea! And I just invested in a water carbonating system (Soda Stream) so I’ve got limitless fizzy water on hand just a-waiting for a splash of blueberry maple goodness. Hurrah!
Grace
This post is too good! I love the feel of it and that dish with goat cheese on it looks delicious!
Caz
Sounds like a fun trip! Gluten Free Girl was the first blog I ever followed. The syrup looks amazing too :)
emmycooks
This is what I meant! It’s like a little reward for staying up too late when your posts appear at this hour. Those sodas look, as I think you would say, bonkers good. :)
Averie @ Averie Cooks
This sounds insanely good! And I am all about easy and cost effective….frozen. It works! I am definitely all about that, especially when they’re going to be boiled down for awhile anyway. Save the fresh ones for straight-up eating :)
Archer
That’s so fun you got to hang out with gluten free girl!
Julia {The Roasted Root}
Looks like a fun trip and I have to admit, I’m envious that you hang out with other people who take pictures of food, too….my peeps just think I’m a big weirdo but I point and shoot nonetheless. The maple blueberry syrup sounds awesome! What about a little booze in the soda of yours? :)