How to Make Simple Syrup

Make simple syrup at home in less than 5 minutes – no need to buy store-bought simple syrup anymore! It’s an easy and quick recipe and is super affordable (YES!). Use it in your favorite cocktails, coffee drinks, and even on cakes.

Making homemade simple syrup couldn’t be any easier. It’s not called simple for no reason. This sugar syrup is the perfect way to add sweetness to cocktails, iced coffee, and even decorate cakes.

You’ll only need two ingredients that I’m sure you have on hand already, and in less than 5 minutes it’s ready to use however you need it. Even better? It keeps in the fridge for weeks, so you can have it on hand for those early morning coffees or happy hours with friends.

And once you’ve gotten the hang of making the basic recipe, you can add a variety of flavors to make homemade flavored syrups, too!

What is Simple Syrup Made Of?

Simple syrup is made of water and granulated sugar. That’s it, it’s truly that…simple! It’s literally liquid sugar.

Sugar syrup is the go-to for cold drinks, especially because instead of using just regular ol’ sugar, the sugar is already dissolved into water. This means that there are no gritty sugar granules that haven’t dissolved, and no extra time to even try to get the sugar to dissolve.

Sugar Substitutes

Using granulated sugar will give you the purest simple syrup that will work in any recipe. However, you can use the following, noting the flavor differences:

• Brown Sugar: results in syrup with notes of caramel (delicious!)
• Honey: again, will change the flavor and have hints of the honey’s flavors, whether that’s more floral, fragrant, or sweet.
• Sugar Substitutes: if you’re looking to use a sugar alternative, you can usually use them in place of the sugar, however, it will change the taste of simple syrup. If you regularly use something like Stevia, then you probably won’t mind this change in flavor.

How to Make Simple Syrup

This might be one of the easiest recipes around because you really cannot mess it up. It’s only a matter of dissolving the sugar in the water, but here are a few tips for making it as successful as possible.

1. Combine the sugar and water.
2. Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. It doesn’t have to boil for the sugar to dissolve.
3. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Use, or store in the fridge.

Simmer the water first before adding the sugar if you’re in a hurry. It will heat up faster and speed the process along, saving a few precious minutes.

Simple Syrup Ratios

The most common ratio for making simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of water and sugar (i.e. equal parts). You can adjust the amount as needed, whether it’s 1 cup sugar and water, 1/2 cup sugar and water, or anything in between.

A 1:1 ratio creates a thin consistency, think maple syrup, but thinner. It’s perfect for any beverage.

A 2:1 ratio can be used too, with 2 parts sugar to water. This creates a rich simple syrup, made using the same process, but results in a thicker, more viscous texture. It’s sweeter, so you can use less of it to achieve the same sweetness level.

Storage & Freezing

While simple syrup can last a while in the fridge, it does eventually go bad. To help it last as long as possible, usually, 3-4 weeks, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you notice any cloudiness or an off-smell, it’s time to toss it out and start a new batch.

If you don’t anticipate using the batch in those few weeks, you can freeze simple syrup. I like to freeze it in individual portions using Souper Cubes because they’re easy to remove, too! A regular ice tray will work as well.

Ways to Use Sugar Syrup

There are endless ways to use this deliciously sweet syrup! As I mentioned before, it’s hands down the best way to sweeten iced drinks because there’s no need for the sugar to dissolve – it already is!

Cocktails

It’s excellent in cocktails like a French 75, Old Fashioned, and Margaritas.

Flavored simple syrups are excellent to add a spin on cocktails like in this Cranberry Ginger Cocktails, Raspberry Long Island Iced Teas, or Watermelon Mint Cocktails.

Apple Cider Bourbon, Grapefruit Mint Cocktail, and Cranberry Rosemary Prosecco also use flavored simple syrups. If you couldn’t tell, I have a thing for using flavored syrup in cocktails.

Coffee & Tea

But not only is it great in cold drinks, but it’s also super easy to mix into hot beverages as well. So for coffee and tea, the simple syrup can be added to them both!

Whether it’s an iced latte or a hot latte, you can add regular simple syrup as a sweetener or add a flavored syrup like vanilla bean to make homemade vanilla lattes and more.

It’s also a great way to flavor iced coffee or cold brew, and both iced tea and hot tea.

But wait, there’s more!

It’s true, it’s not just about beverages. Bakers love to use this liquid sugar on a cake. Brushed on the exterior of an unfrosted cake, simple syrup adds moisture and sweetness to the cake – two things that are winners in my book!

It can also be used as a glaze on tarts for a shiny, sweet finish.

Toss it in a fruit salad with fresh fruit and mint – it makes a wonderful side dish at brunch or dessert!

Simple Syrup Variations

Oh, a basic simple syrup recipe is just the beginning! You can flavor simple syrup with fruit, fresh herbs, and spices. Use other sugars if you need to. Really, you can mix it up and do a whole lotta different things with it. Variety is the spice of life, my friends!

So once you have gotten the hang of making the basic simple syrup, why not give one of these flavor variations a try?!

Herb & Spice Simple Syrups

• Rosemary Simple Syrup
• Ginger Simple Syrup
• Lavender Simple Syrup
• Lavender Honey Simple Syrup
• Vanilla Simple Syrup
• Autumn Spice Syrup

Fruit Simple Syrups

• Strawberry Simple Syrup
• Raspberry Simple Syrup

Additional Common Questions

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