Simple syrup sounds like something fancy that coffee shops and restaurants keep on hand, but it’s actually incredible “simple” to make at home! This simple syrup recipe comes together quickly and easily on the stovetop with only two ingredients (sugar and water). Use it to instantly elevate homemade cocktails, coffees, cakes, and more.
Simple syrup is an incredibly versatile liquid sweetener made with a ratio of 1 part sugar to 1 part water. Most commonly used to sweeten cocktails (like in my strawberry daiquiri and mint julep) because it mixes easily with other liquids, it’s also used in baking recipes to moisten cakes and sweeten pie fillings.
Ingredient Notes
How to Make This Simple Syrup Recipe
- Boil: Bring 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring frequently.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let simmer only until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Cool: Let the simple syrup cool completely, then transfer into a jar or container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Try it!
Honey Simple Syrup
Our go-to honey simple syrup recipe is an excellent all-natural simple syrup and so easy to make. It’s delicious in cocktails, lemonade, and even in some baking recipes!
Use this classic simple syrup recipe as a blank slate for endless flavor variations. Choose from the following list of infusion ideas below as a starting point – the more creative, the better!
- Fresh mint (2-4 sprigs)
- Fresh rosemary (2-4 sprigs)
- Fresh thyme (2-4 sprigs)
- Dried lavender (1 tablespoon)
- Peeled and minced ginger (1 tablespoon)
- Citrus like orange, lemon, or lime (rind from 1/4 of the fruit)
- Cinnamon sticks (1 stick)
Ways to Use Simple Syrup
Add simple syrup to cocktails, mocktails, iced coffee/cold brew, homemade lemonade, cakes, and more. A few of my favorite recipes that incorporate simple syrup variations:
Once completely cool, transfer the simple syrup to an airtight container or jar (an oil dispenser also works great!) and refrigerate. Homemade simple syrup will last for about 2 weeks in the fridge – I like to use a piece of masking tape and a permanent marker to label the simple syrup with the date I made it and what flavor (if any) it is.
FAQ
Simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. A rich syrup is a 2:1 ratio of sugar and water, so much thicker and sweeter than traditional simple syrup.
Yes. Boiling the sugar and water together heats the sugar to a high enough temperature that it melts. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer until fully dissolved.
Simple syrup is used to sweeten the cocktail and to cut the bite of alcohol. Use anywhere from 1 to 2 ounces of simple syrup per drink – start with 1 and sweeten from there.
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Place the water and sugar in a small saucepan.
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Bring the sugar water mixture to a boil, stirring frequently.
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Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let simmer only until the sugar fully dissolves.
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Let the simple syrup cool completely, then transfer into a jar or container and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Storage: Homemade simple syrup will last for about 2 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Sugar: While granulated (white) sugar is standard for classic simple syrup, you can make simple syrup with a 1:1 ratio of any kind of sugar (including liquid sweeteners). I’ve tried using brown sugar, honey, agave, and maple syrup with great success!
- Flavor additions: Once the mixture is boiling, add your preferred “flavor ingredient” and let simmer. Once the sugar is dissolved and the syrup is cool, strain the syrup and use as desired. (Per 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water use any of these ingredients to flavor the simple syrup: fresh mint (2-4 sprigs), fresh rosemary (2-4 sprigs), fresh thyme (2-4 sprigs), dried lavender (1 tablespoon), peeled and minced ginger (1 tablespoon), citrus like orange, lemon, or lime (rind from 1/4 of the fruit), or cinnamon sticks (1 stick).
Calories: 97 kcal, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 0 g, Fat: 0 g, Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 25 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
