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    Home » Blog » Condiments » How to Make Simple Syrup

    How to Make Simple Syrup

    Published: Feb 13, 2023 · Modified: Mar 14, 2023 by Aimee Mars · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    There’s no need to buy Simple Syrup! In just 5 minutes and using sugar and water you can have your own homemade simple syrup for drinks, cocktails, or even cakes.

    Homemade simple syrup pouring from a jar onto a spoon.

    What is Simple Syrup Used For

    Simple syrup, also known as sugar syrup, blends perfectly with other liquids and is an indispensable ingredient for cocktails and other beverages. It adds a smooth sweetness and is the basis for many other syrups such as Strawberry Simple Syrup and Raspberry Simple Syrup. It’s also easy to make with only 2 ingredients: water and sugar.

    Some additional uses for simple syrup are:

    • In cocktails. The most common use is to mix it into cocktails or use it as the base for Homemade Sour Mix.
    • Beverages like sweet tea and lemonade. Use the simple syrup to sweeten iced beverages.
    • Use it for cakes. This is a great trick for making super moist cakes. Many bakes use the simple syrup for cakes.
    • Add it wherever you’d use regular syrup. You can top off your pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, or even drizzle some on a yogurt parfait.
    • Gift it as a gift. Place it in a beautiful bottle, add a label, and you’ve got a great gift.

    Ingredients Needed

    Simple syrup ingredients in separate bowls.
    • Sugar – to prepare the standard simple syrup you will need to use granulated sugar, but you can also use other versions of sugar to make ones like Brown Sugar Syrup or Demerara Simple Syrup. Natural sweeteners such as honey and maple sugar will also work.
    • Water – there’s nothing fancy about this ingredient. It’s just plain water and whether you want to use filtered or unfiltered is up to you.

    Instructions

    It only takes 5 minutes to prepare homemade simple syrup. This essential cocktail sweetener is great for a variety of uses but is a key ingredient for any home mixologist.

    How to make simple syrup process step 1.
    1. Pour the sugar and water into the saucepan. Add equal parts sugar and water to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Use ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar to get ¾ cup of syrup.
    2. Heat until the sugar dissolved. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from the heat.
    3. Allow it to cool. Before using the syrup allow it to cool completely. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container or jar.

    How to Store Simple Syrup

    The simple syrup must be kept in an airtight container and stored in the fridge after you’ve prepared it. It will last for up to 1 month. Thankfully it’s easy to make so when you’re ready for a new batch you only need 5 minutes to make it.

    How to make simple syrup last longer?

    • Add vodka. After the syrup has cooled stir in 1 ounce of vodka, which will help slow the growth of bacteria or mold. This process will give you an additional 2 to 4 weeks of shelf-life.
    • Freeze it. While it won’t freeze completely because of the sugar amount the temperature of the freezer will keep mold and bacteria growing.
    Simple syrup in a faceted glass jar.

    Variations

    • Make infused simple syrup with spices. This makes a great gift for any foodie or mixologist. Add some cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg to the simple syrup mixture and allow it to heat for 10 to 15 minutes for the flavors to infuse completely.
    • Use herbs for infused simple syrups. You can easily make a Rosemary Simple Syrup, which is great in coffee and lattes, or a Basil Simple Syrup.
    • Create a fruit infused simple syrup. The possibilities are endless but some of my favorite options are Strawberry Simple Syrup or Raspberry Simple Syrup.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • You can adjust the ratio. The basic simple syrup recipe is a 1:1 ratio with the sugar and water measuring equally. For a much sweeter syrup, you can increase the sugar amount, which will also extend the shelf-life since sugar is a preservative, but also will make it thicker. You can also decrease the sugar and increase the water amount for a less sweet syrup.
    • It’s not necessary to heat the syrup over the stove. You can use very warm water to dissolve the sugar straight from the tap. It will take a little longer for the sugar crystals to dissolve, but this method produces a more fluid syrup that’s less thick.
    • How to tell if the simple syrup has gone bad? If the syrup itself looks cloudy or there is visible mold growth it’s time to toss it.

    FAQS

    How long does simple syrup last?

    Homemade simple syrup will last for 1 month stored in an airtight container or jar kept in the refrigerator.

    Can you freeze simple syrup?

    You can store simple syrup in the freezer to extend its shelf-life, however, it will not freeze completely because of the sugar content. The cold temperature will keep mold and bacteria from growing though.

    Can you make simple syrup in the microwave?

    You can make simple syrup in the microwave by placing the water in a microwave-safe bowl and heating it for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Add the sugar and stir it until it has fully dissolved into the water. Allow the mixture to cool.

    More Simple Syrup Recipes

    • Strawberry simple syrup in a jar with a spoon inside.
      Strawberry Simple Syrup
    • Raspberry simple syrup on a spoon.
      Quick Raspberry Simple Syrup
    • Homemade grenadine syrup pouring from a bottle.
      Homemade Grenadine Syrup
    • Grenadine on a spoon and spilled around it.
      7 Best Grenadine Substitutes
    Simple syrup in a faceted glass bottle.

    How to Make Simple Syrup

    There's no need to buy Simple Syrup! In just 5 minutes and using sugar and water you can have your own homemade simple syrup for drinks, cocktails, or even cakes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 64kcal
    Author: Aimee Mars

    Equipment

    • Small Saucepan
    • Whisk

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Granulated Sugar
    • ½ cup Water

    Instructions

    • Pour the sugar and water into the saucepan. Add equal parts sugar and water to a small saucepan set over medium heat. Use ½ cup water and ½ cup sugar to get ¾ cup of syrup.
    • Heat until the sugar dissolved. Continue to heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from the heat.
    • Allow it to cool. Before using the syrup allow it to cool completely. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container or jar.

    Notes

    • You can adjust the ratio. The basic simple syrup recipe is a 1:1 ratio with the sugar and water measuring equally. For a much sweeter syrup, you can increase the sugar amount, which will also extend the shelf-life since sugar is a preservative, but also will make it thicker. You can also decrease the sugar and increase the water amount for a less sweet syrup.
    • It’s not necessary to heat the syrup over the stove. You can use very warm water to dissolve the sugar straight from the tap. It will take a little longer for the sugar crystals to dissolve, but this method produces a more fluid syrup that’s less thick.
    • How to tell if the simple syrup has gone bad? If the syrup itself looks cloudy or there is visible mold growth it’s time to toss it.

    How To Store Simple Syrup

    The simple syrup must be kept in an airtight container and stored in the fridge after you’ve prepared it. It will last for up to 1 month. Thankfully it’s easy to make so when you’re ready for a new batch you only need 5 minutes to make it.
    • Add vodka. After the syrup has cooled stir in 1 ounce of vodka, which will help slow the growth of bacteria or mold. This process will give you an additional 2 to 4 weeks of shelf-life.
    • Freeze it. While it won’t freeze completely because of the sugar amount the temperature of the freezer will keep mold and bacteria growing.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 0.3mg | Sugar: 17g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.01mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @AimeeMarsLiving or tag #AimeeMarsLiving!

    More Condiments

    • Homemade sour mix in a pitcher.
      Homemade Sour Mix
    • Rosemary simple syrup in a bottle with a spout.
      Rosemary Simple Syrup
    • Lemon syrup in a bottle.
      Lemon Syrup
    • Passion fruit simple syrup in a jar.
      Passion Fruit Syrup

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