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.
- Combine the sugar and water.
- Bring to a simmer and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. It doesn’t have to boil for the sugar to dissolve.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Use, or store in the refrigerator.
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!
Add it to 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.
But really, simple syrup is perfect for any cocktail recipe that needs a little sweetness. There’s no limit to the number of recipes that use it!
Sweeteen 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, 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 latte 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. Try adding honey, cinnamon, or even molasses which all work well with tea and coffee, too!
But wait, there’s more!
It’s true, it’s not just about beverages. Bakers love to use this liquid sugar brushed between layers of 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 a glaze on tarts for a shiny, sweet finish. Check out our flavors below and make a rich syrup for pancakes, ice cream, or waffles, too!
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 types of sugars if you need to.
Really, you can mix it up and do a whole lotta different things with it. Even adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for citrusy drinks changes up the flavor easily. Variety is the spice of life, my friends!
So once you have made 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
- Caramel Syrup
- Autumn Spice Syrup
Fruit Simple Syrups
Additional Common Questions
1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water will make approximately 1 1/2 cups of simple syrup. If you use just 1/2 cup of each, you will have approximately 3/4 cup of syrup.
This depends on the cocktail you’re making. If you’re simply mixing some syrup with liquor and club soda, it will all depend on your taste preferences. I usually use about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces per cocktail or coffee.
Absolutely! This recipe is one of the easiest things to double or halve or triple…you name it! Use equal amounts of water and sugar and you are good to go, the process is exactly the same.
Yep, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan (as long as your sugar is).
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!
Get the Recipe How to Make Simple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Equipment
- Mason Jar for storage
Instructions
- In a small or medium saucepan, whisk together water and sugar over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally until sugar is completely dissolved. The liquid should be clear.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool or use immediately. If using in a cold cocktail, I do recommend giving it some time to cool before using.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3- 4 weeks and use in your favorite beverages or recipes as desired.
Notes
- This recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups.
An even faster way to make simple syrup is to use a blender. I like the viscosity that a 2-1 ratio of sugar to water gives, so I put 1 1/2 cups of water and 3 cups of sugar in the blender and let it go for a couple of minutes on high speed. Then I pour it into a squeeze bottle and I’m done.
And if you don’t have a blender you can put the sugar and water into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake it hard for two minutes, then let it rest for one minute and shake it again for 30 seconds. It’s a workout, but it works.
I will say that the stovetop is necessary if you want to infuse herbs and still have a clear syrup (although I’m not above putting a handful of mint into the blender with the sugar and water), but if you’re looking for basic syrup, the blender has never failed me.