Black Currant Syrup

Featured in: Sweet Memory Desserts

Craft a luscious, jewel-toned syrup from fresh or frozen black currants. This simple preparation yields approximately 500ml of versatile sweetness, ideal for mixing into summer beverages, drizzling over morning pancakes, or swirling into yogurt. The process involves simmering the fruit to extract its deep purple juices, straining, then sweetening with sugar until it reaches the perfect consistency. Keep a bottle in your refrigerator for up to a month and add instant fruity brightness to anything from sparkling water to ice cream sundaes.

Updated on Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:52:42 GMT
A glass bottle of homemade Black Currant Syrup glistening with deep purple hue, placed on a rustic wooden table next to fresh berries and a lemon slice for scale. Save to Pinterest
A glass bottle of homemade Black Currant Syrup glistening with deep purple hue, placed on a rustic wooden table next to fresh berries and a lemon slice for scale. | recipesforevers.com

Making your own Black Currant Syrup is a simple way to bring a rich, vibrant flavor to your kitchen. This tangy-sweet condiment, bursting with the essence of deep purple currants, is perfect for elevating everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails and sparkling water.

A glass bottle of homemade Black Currant Syrup glistening with deep purple hue, placed on a rustic wooden table next to fresh berries and a lemon slice for scale. Save to Pinterest
A glass bottle of homemade Black Currant Syrup glistening with deep purple hue, placed on a rustic wooden table next to fresh berries and a lemon slice for scale. | recipesforevers.com

This easy recipe captures the heart of summer fruit. Whether you use fresh berries from the market or frozen ones for convenience, the result is a professional-grade syrup that surpasses any store-bought alternative in both color and taste.

Ingredients

  • 500 g (about 4 cups) fresh or frozen black currants, stems removed
  • 400 g (2 cups) granulated sugar
  • 250 ml (1 cup) water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness)
Product image
Make crepes, pancakes, tortillas, and omelets evenly with quick heating and precise temperature control.
Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1
Rinse the black currants thoroughly and remove any stems or debris.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine black currants and water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Step 3
Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the currants have burst and released their juices.
Step 4
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Step 5
Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, pressing to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
Step 6
Return the strained juice to the saucepan. Add the sugar and optional lemon juice. Stir to dissolve.
Step 7
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens slightly.
Step 8
Remove from heat and let cool. Pour into sterilized glass bottles or jars.
Step 9
Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

If you prefer a thicker consistency for your syrup, simply extend the simmering time in the final stage by an additional 5–10 minutes. For long-term freshness, ensure you are using properly sterilized glass jars or bottles.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute the granulated sugar with honey if you prefer a different sweetener, adjusting the amount to your taste. For a more sophisticated flavor profile, consider adding a small piece of vanilla bean to the saucepan during the final simmering process.

Serviervorschläge

This syrup is delicious when drizzled over fresh pancakes, yogurt, or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also serves as a perfect base for homemade sodas when mixed with sparkling water or as a vibrant addition to your favorite cocktails.

Save to Pinterest
| recipesforevers.com

With its striking deep purple hue and perfectly balanced flavor, this homemade Black Currant Syrup is a must-have for anyone looking to add a burst of fruit-forward intensity to their culinary creations.

Product image
Stir sauces, sauté vegetables, and serve meals gently while adding a charming touch to everyday cooking.
Check price on Amazon

Recipe FAQs

How long does the syrup stay fresh?

When stored properly in sterilized glass containers and kept refrigerated, your black currant syrup will maintain its quality for up to one month.

Can I use frozen currants instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Frozen black currants work wonderfully and are often more readily available outside the summer season. Simply thaw them slightly before cooking, and proceed with the instructions as written.

What's the best way to strain the mixture?

A fine-mesh sieve works well for most purposes, but for the clearest syrup possible, line your sieve with cheesecloth and let the mixture drip through without pressing. This yields a more translucent final product.

How can I tell when the syrup is thick enough?

The syrup is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and doesn't immediately drip off. For a thicker consistency, continue simmering for an additional 5–10 minutes beyond the initial cooking time.

What other sweeteners can I use?

Honey makes an excellent substitute for granulated sugar, though it adds its own distinct floral notes. Maple syrup or agave also work, but you may need to adjust quantities as these alternatives vary in sweetness intensity.

Can I preserve this syrup for longer storage?

Yes. Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to create a shelf-stable product. Once sealed and cooled, these can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Black Currant Syrup

A rich, vibrant syrup bursting with tangy-sweet black currant flavor, perfect for drinks and desserts.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Complete Duration
40 minutes

Recipe Type Sweet Memory Desserts

Complexity Easy

Cuisine European

Makes 16 Portions

Dietary Info Plant-Based, No Dairy, Without Gluten

What You Need

Fruit

01 4 cups fresh or frozen black currants, stems removed

Sweetener

01 2 cups granulated sugar

Liquid

01 1 cup water

Optional

01 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 01

Prepare currants: Rinse black currants thoroughly under cold water and remove any stems or debris.

Step 02

Simmer fruit and water: Combine black currants and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the currants burst and release their juices.

Step 03

Cool mixture: Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for 5 minutes.

Step 04

Strain juice: Pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, pressing firmly to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.

Step 05

Add sweetener: Return the strained juice to the saucepan. Add sugar and lemon juice if desired. Stir until sugar dissolves completely.

Step 06

Thicken syrup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup reaches desired consistency.

Step 07

Cool and bottle: Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. Pour into sterilized glass bottles or jars and seal tightly.

Step 08

Store: Refrigerate for up to 1 month before use.

Essential Tools

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sterilized glass bottles or jars
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains no common major allergens; verify commercial sugar for potential cross-contamination if sensitive

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 60
  • Total Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 15 grams
  • Proteins: 0 grams