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Maple Brown Sugar Bourbon Blackberries

A sweet and boozy topping made from fresh blackberries, brown sugar, and bourbon, perfect for pancakes and desserts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 3 cups
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 stick cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1.5 pounds blackberries, rinsed Pick berries that are plump, deep purple, and firm.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice For brightness
  • fresh mint leaves For garnish
  • 1 splash vanilla extract For depth
  • 1 pinch cayenne For unexpected heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by choosing berries that feel firm under a gentle squeeze. Rinse the berries gently under cool water and lay them out on a clean towel to dry completely.
Build the Syrup Base
  1. Add the brown sugar, water, maple syrup, cinnamon stick, and nutmeg to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir well to dissolve the sugar before heating.
  2. Set the pan over medium-high heat and stir occasionally as it warms.
Simmer It Down
  1. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens.
  2. Remove the cinnamon stick when the syrup is glossy and slightly thick.
Add the Bourbon
  1. Pour in the bourbon and bring the syrup back to a boil. Let the alcohol cook off slightly.
Add the Blackberries
  1. Gently fold the blackberries into the syrup, stirring carefully to avoid crushing them.
  2. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the berries soften slightly.
Cool and Store
  1. Let the mixture cool at room temperature before transferring it into clean jars.
  2. Seal the jars and refrigerate or use a boiling water bath for canning.

Notes

Refrigerated blackberries stay good for about two to three weeks. Properly canned jars can last up to a year.