📖 Instructions

1. Prep Your Berries: Gently rinse the blackberries under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. You don't want any unwelcome guests in your hummingbird treat!
2. Juice the Berries: In a small saucepan, place the rinsed blackberries. Gently crush them with a fork or a potato masher to release their juice. Think of it as giving them a little spa treatment – a berry massage, if you will.
3. Simmer for Flavor: Add 1/2 cup of water to the crushed berries in the saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This step helps to extract even more of that lovely blackberry flavor and color. Keep a close eye; you don't want it to burn!
4. Strain the Juice: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the blackberry mixture cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Use a spoon to press the solids against the strainer, extracting as much juice as possible. Discard the leftover pulp – or, if you're feeling thrifty, compost it!
5. Make Simple Syrup: In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of white granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a simple syrup, which is the base of our hummingbird nectar. Make sure there are no sugar crystals lurking at the bottom!
6. Combine Juices: Once the sugar is fully dissolved and the simple syrup is clear, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it cool slightly, then add the strained blackberry juice to the simple syrup. Stir gently to combine the two liquids. You should now have a beautiful, naturally tinted blackberry hummingbird nectar!
7. Cool Completely: Allow the blackberry hummingbird nectar to cool completely to room temperature before filling your hummingbird feeders. This is crucial to prevent any condensation inside the feeders, which could lead to mold or bacterial growth.
8. Fill Feeders: Once the nectar is cool, carefully pour it into your clean hummingbird feeders. Make sure not to overfill the feeders; leave a little space at the top to prevent leaks. If you have any leftover nectar, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
9. Clean Up: Wash all the equipment thoroughly after making the nectar. This is an essential step to maintain the safety of the hummingbird's treats. Think of it as a tiny spa day for your saucepan and other tools!
10. Hang and Enjoy: Hang your hummingbird feeders in a shady spot in your yard, away from direct sunlight. Keep an eye on the feeders and refill them as needed, typically every few days, especially in hot weather. Watch the hummingbirds flock to your garden and enjoy their acrobatic antics! Its's so rewarding to see them enjoy your hard work!