Raspberry syrup is a type of sauce made by bringing raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a rolling boil and then straining the mixture to remove any seeds. The result is dark-colored fruit syrup that normally tastes very sweet. This raspberry sauce keeps well and can even be preserved for later use. The topping is ideal for spreading on a number of desserts or flavoring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
It can be very important to add a good deal of sugar when making raspberry syrup. This is done to counteract the tart flavor of this fruit as well as to stimulate the juice to flow from the berries. Adding a dash of lemon juice can help preserve the freshness and color of the berries. Some cooks like to add a bit of water to the mixture when cooking with raspberries, and this can help keep the sauce from sticking. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, it might be necessary to pour the liquid through a piece of cheesecloth, as this can help remove any visible seeds that may make the sauce difficult to spread.
When water has been added to raspberry sauce, the finished product will likely be a lighter color than if no water has been added. Raspberry syrup that contains only fruit and sugar is normally a medium or dark red color, while sauce that has been thinned with water could be bright pink. This topping normally does not taste bitter due to the high sugar content. There may be a slightly tart aftertaste depending on the amount of sugar and lemon juice used in the recipe.
It is important to allow raspberry syrup to cool completely before using. Leftover portions can be covered and stored in a refrigerator for several weeks without spoiling. This fruit syrup can also be placed in canning jars and then sealed by boiling them in a water bath canner. Any size canning jar can be used for this, but 1 pint (0.47 l) jars are normally preferred.
Raspberry syrup can be drizzled over cheesecake, ice cream, or a variety of pies. It can also be a welcome addition to pancakes or waffles along with fresh fruit or whipped topping. A dab of this sauce could also be used to flavor lemonade, iced tea, or cola beverages. People sometimes use this concoction when making cocktails, especially when those drinks also contain vodka, rum, or brandy.
