Homemade Honey Simple Syrup for Cocktails and Coffee

Our favorite honey simple syrup is an all-natural, easy-to-make sweetener that’s great to keep in the fridge. We make it often to have on hand for cocktails, homemade lemonade, iced tea, or even to use in baking when a milder, more natural sweetener is desired.

If you’re trying to reduce refined white sugar, this honey simple syrup is a perfect alternative. It follows the classic simple syrup approach — a one-to-one ratio of sweetener to water — but uses honey instead of granulated sugar. This makes a smooth, subtly flavored syrup that blends beautifully into drinks and recipes. We often use it in summer beverages like strawberry basil lemonade, spicy grapefruit margaritas, and easy red wine sangria.

What You Need for Honey Simple Syrup

Traditional simple syrup is a 1:1 mix of sugar and water. For this recipe, use the same ratio with honey and water. That’s it — just two ingredients and a small saucepan.

Quick Instructions

Making honey simple syrup is straightforward. Combine equal parts honey and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat while stirring to dissolve the honey.

As soon as it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The syrup will concentrate and thicken slightly; it won’t become as viscous as a sugar-based syrup, but it will syrup-ify into a fragrant, pourable concentrate.

Flavor Variations

The syrup is neutral enough to work with most drinks, but it’s also a great base for infused flavors. Add fresh herbs, citrus, or spices to the saucepan at the beginning, let them steep while the syrup simmers, then strain and discard the solids before storing.

• Honey + Cayenne — adds a warm, spicy kick
• Rosemary + Thyme — herbaceous and savory
• Mint + Ginger — bright and refreshing
• Lemon + Basil — summery and aromatic

How long does honey simple syrup last?

Allow the syrup to cool completely, then transfer it to a clean, airtight glass container and refrigerate. Stored this way, it will keep for about 7–14 days. If you notice any off smells or cloudiness that increases over time, discard it and make a fresh batch.

Honey Simple Syrup

It’s handy to have honey simple syrup on hand for drinks and cooking — easy to make and versatile.

Author: Linley Hanson

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup water
• 2/3 cup honey

Instructions

1. Combine the honey and water in a small saucepan and stir to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking and to help the syrup reduce slightly.
3. When the mixture has reduced and thickened a bit, remove it from the heat. Let it cool, then strain if you infused any flavors. Transfer the syrup to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate.

Tips & Notes

• Ratio: The basic ratio is 1:1 honey to water. Double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch if desired.
• Storage: Keep the syrup in a glass airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 weeks.
• Yield: Approximately 2/3 cup from the amounts listed.
• If you make an infused version, remove and discard the herbs, peels, or spices before storing to keep the syrup clear and longer-lasting.