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–+ servings
Simple syrup in a faceted glass bottle.
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5 from 1 vote

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.
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 64kcal
Author: Aimee Mars

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 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 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar to get 3/4 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