Simple syrup may sound like a barista or bartender staple, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home. This simple syrup recipe uses only two ingredients — sugar and water — and comes together in about 10 minutes. A clear, pourable sweetener, simple syrup dissolves quickly into cold or hot liquids, making it ideal for cocktails, iced coffee, homemade lemonade, cake soaking, and many other uses.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is a versatile liquid sweetener made by dissolving sugar in water. The classic ratio is 1 part sugar to 1 part water (1:1), which gives a balanced syrup that mixes easily into both cold and hot beverages. Because the sugar is already dissolved, it blends smoothly into cocktails like daiquiris or mint juleps, sweetens iced coffee without graininess, and helps moisten cake layers and sweeten fillings in baking.
Ingredient Notes
Sugar: Granulated white sugar is the standard for classic simple syrup, but you can use other sweeteners in the same 1:1 ratio for unique flavors and textures. Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, and agave all work as substitutes — try them to create variations such as honey simple syrup or brown sugar syrup.
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Agave
Water: Use clean, fresh water. Filtered water will give the best, clean flavor, but tap water is acceptable if that’s what’s available.
How to Make This Simple Syrup Recipe
- Combine: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water.
- Heat: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently so the sugar doesn’t stick or burn.
- Simmer: Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer just until the sugar has fully dissolved and the liquid is clear. There’s no need to boil longer; the goal is dissolution, not reduction.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely. Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate until needed.
Variations to Try
This basic syrup is a blank canvas for flavoring. Add fresh herbs, spices, citrus peels, or aromatics while the syrup is warming to infuse it. After simmering and cooling, strain out solids for a clear, flavored syrup. Use the following ideas as starting points — adjust amounts to taste.
How to infuse: Add the chosen flavor once the liquid reaches a boil, reduce heat, and simmer just long enough for the flavor to release (usually a few minutes). Allow the syrup to steep as it cools for stronger flavor, then strain.
- Fresh mint — 2–4 sprigs
- Fresh rosemary — 2–4 sprigs
- Fresh thyme — 2–4 sprigs
- Dried lavender — 1 tablespoon
- Fresh ginger, peeled and minced — 1 tablespoon
- Citrus zest (orange, lemon, or lime) from 1/4 of a fruit
- Cinnamon stick — 1 stick
Ways to Use Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is useful across drinks and desserts. Common uses include:
- Cocktails and mocktails — for even sweetness without grainy sugar.
- Iced coffee and cold brew — dissolves easily into cold drinks.
- Homemade lemonade and iced teas — mix quickly for consistent sweetness.
- Baking — brush on cake layers to add moisture and flavor before stacking and frosting.
- Sauces and glazes — incorporate flavored syrup to add depth and shine.
Try flavored syrups in homemade lemonade, a honey greyhound, a skinny margarita, or coffee cold foam for a subtle sweetness boost.
Storage & Shelf Life Tips
After cooling, store simple syrup in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator. Homemade simple syrup keeps well for about two weeks. Label the container with the date and any flavor used so you can track freshness. If you make flavored syrups with fresh herbs, ginger, or citrus, check them before use and discard if you notice any off smells, cloudiness, or signs of fermentation.
Cocktail Recipes to Try with Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is foundational for classic and modern cocktails. Use it to sweeten and balance drinks like sangria, sex on the beach, a boozy blended Arnold Palmer, raspberry mojitos, blood orange margaritas, or a brown sugar shaken espresso martini. Flavored syrups open up seasonal possibilities, from herbaceous mint to spiced cinnamon.
FAQ
What’s the difference between simple and rich syrup?
Simple syrup uses a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Rich syrup uses a 2:1 ratio (two parts sugar to one part water), making it thicker and sweeter — useful when you want more sweetness without adding as much liquid.
Do you need to boil simple syrup?
You should heat the sugar and water together until the sugar fully dissolves. Bringing the mixture to a gentle boil then reducing to a simmer until dissolved is the quickest and most reliable method. There’s no need to reduce much; the goal is to dissolve.
How much simple syrup should you use in an Old Fashioned?
Simple syrup is used to sweeten and mellow the drink. A common range is 1 to 2 ounces per cocktail — start with 1 ounce and adjust to taste.
Simple Syrup Recipe (Basic)
Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 5 mins | Total: 10 mins | Makes about 9 servings (approximately 1 cup)
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat and simmer just until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is clear.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Keeps for about two weeks refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Sugar substitutions: Use the same 1:1 ratio with alternatives like brown sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup for variation.
- Flavoring: Add herbs, spices, citrus zest, or ginger during heating, then strain once cooled for a clear infused syrup.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 97 kcal • Carbohydrates: 25 g • Protein: 0 g • Fat: 0 g • Sugar: 25 g
Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guideline only.
If you enjoyed this simple syrup recipe, try experimenting with different sweeteners and infusions to match the drink or dessert you’re preparing. Homemade syrup is inexpensive, quick to prepare, and keeps your beverages and baked goods balanced and smooth.