Homemade Simple Syrup is one of the easiest, most versatile sweeteners you can make and it takes just 5 minutes. With only two pantry staples (sugar and water), you can create a smooth liquid sweetener that's perfect for cocktails, coffees, cakes and teas.
If you come across cocktail recipes that call for a simple syrup, there's no need to rush to the store to buy some when you can make it at home with just two ingredients. It's a customizable sweetener that easily mixes into cold drinks without the grit of granulated sugar. And, since it's a smooth liquid, you can brush it on cakes to add a touch of sweetness and moisture.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 5 minutes or less with pantry staples.
- Perfect for sweetening iced drinks.
- Scales up and down for any use.
- Customizable for infused flavor (see below).
- Keeps up to a month in the refrigerator.
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Ingredients that Matter
Simple syrup for cocktails or coffee drinks is made with just two basic ingredients:
- Sugar. Classic simple syrup is made with granulated sugar, which keeps the flavor neutral and color clear.
- Water. Use equal parts regular tap water. Try filtered water for a cleaner flavor but skip any flavored or sparkling waters.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Simple Syrup
Don't get hung up on the four steps below. I only included these photos and steps to give you plenty of indicators and information so your homemade syrup base will turn out perfect each time.
- Add equal parts sugar and water to a small saucepan. You can use a spoon or whisk to gently stir through the cooking process.
- Heat the mixture over medium and bring to a very gentle simmer. Do not allow the mixture to boil. The moderately low heat will gently melt the sugar into the water. This method works for both 1:1 and rich 2:1 syrup ratios, depending on how thick you like your syrup.
- The simple syrup is ready when the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture is completely transparent. It's ready to use but it's best to cool the syrup on the counter for a few minutes.
- Carefully pour the syrup into a mason jar or syrup jar. I recommend using a funnel to avoid spills.
Adam's Pro Tip
This is one of the easiest ways for how to make simple syrup for cocktails, coffee drinks, teas, or cakes. Importantly, avoid boiling the syrup because it could cause discoloration and reduce the water content, making it too sweet. This could make a difference depending on your intended use.
Simple Syrup Ratio Explained
What's the best simple syrup ratio? That all depends on how you plan to use the syrup.
| Syrup | Ratio (sugar to water) | Uses |
| Classic Simple Syrup | 1:1 | It's classic for a reason! It's a pourable syrup ideal for everyday drinks and cocktails. |
| Rich Simple Syrup | 2:1 | The higher the sugar the thicker the syrup. A rich syrup is also sweeter, so you'll need to use less (always follow the cocktail or latte recipes for best results) |
| Semi-Rich Simple Syrup | ½:1 | With less sugar, this syrup is thinner and more watery. Use this if you want just a touch of sweetness. |
Variations & Flavor Infusions
Once you learn the very basic method of making a homemade simple syrup, you can experiment using different sugars and even flavor infusions.
Sugars
- Brown Sugar Simple Syrup - lightly toasty flavor with hints of molasses, perfect for cocktails like an Old Fashioned, Hot Toddy, and even Mojitos. Use in lattes and espresso drinks as a homemade spin on Starbucks Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. Be sure to use the same sugar to water ratio and do not boil.
- Coconut Sugar Simple Syrup - similar to brown sugar variation. Be sure to keep the ratio the same.
Fruits
- Blueberry Simple Syrup - Fresh blueberry flavor in a pourable syrup! I love this for Homemade Blueberry Lemonade or a quick and easy blueberry martini.
- Blackberry Simple Syrup - Another fruity pourable cocktail syrup that's so good for summery drinks.
- Citrus Syrup - Add the peel of lemon, lime, orange, or even grapefruit for a subtle, yet aromatic flavor boost.
- Cranberry Simple Syrup - A bright, tangy ruby-red syrup, ideal for holiday punches and cocktails.
Herbs & Spices
- Herb Syrups - Try adding about ¼ cup lightly packed (cleaned and dried) mint or basil, or a sprig of rosemary. You can even use a few sage leaves. Be sure to strain before transferring to the jar.
- Spice - A vanilla bean added as the syrup starts to simmer then left to infuse for 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge makes a beautiful syrup. Pass it through cheesecloth if you want to remove the vanilla bean seeds. Or try adding a stick or two of cinnamon for a warm, slightly spicy syrup.
Storage & Shelf Life
The best way to store any simple syrup is in a glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator. In general, simple syrup will last for up to 1 month if stored properly in the refrigerator. A rich syrup (with a 2:1 sugar to water ratio) may last up to 3 months.
Be sure to add a label with a date on your bottle or jar so you don't forget when you made it. If you see any mold on the edges of the bottle, or if the syrup turns cloudy at all, it's spoiled and time to get rid of it.
How to Use Simple Syrup
Simple syrup mixes effortlessly into cocktails, iced coffee, tea, lemonade, and even sparkling water. Brush it on cakes for extra moisture, or drizzle over sorbet and fresh fruit. Once you make a batch, you'll find endless ways to use it.
FAQ
You can skip the cooktop altogether by adding equal parts sugar and water in a mason jar, covering with a lid, and gently shaking. Shake every few minutes until the mixture is clear. This will take quite a bit of time which is why the preferred method is heating the mixture on the stovetop until the sugar gently dissolves.
Stored properly in an airtight container or jar, simple syrup may last up to 1 month in the refrigerator. A rich syrup, made with a 2:1 sugar to water ratio, may last up to 3 months.
If the edges of the bottle have any discoloration or black spots, the syrup has spoiled. In addition, if the syrup becomes cloudy or no longer transparent, it's time to get rid of it.
Yes, you can make simple syrup with brown sugar. Use equal parts lightly packed brown sugar and water. Avoid boiling the mixture. You can also use honey instead of granulated sugar, again using equal parts water and honey and avoid boiling.
Yes. Freeze in ice cube trays then pop cubes into drinks or thaw smaller portions as needed.
Sauces and More
Looking for unique sauces and spreads? Try these recipes:
Drinks
These are my favorite drinks:
PrintRecipe
Simple Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
Description
Homemade Simple Syrup is one of the easiest, most versatile sweeteners you can make. It's literally a mixture of equal parts water and granulated sugar, but it has endless uses, from cocktails and coffees, to cakes and teas.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add sugar and water to a small saucepan. Heat mixture over medium heat and stir or whisk gently as needed. Bring mixture to a low simmer, avoiding boiling the mixture. Heat until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is completely clear, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Cool the syrup at room temperature for a few minutes then carefully transfer to a mason jar or glass syrup bottle. Use a funnel to avoid spills. Label the syrup and store in the fridge for up to 1 month. Use for your favorite cocktail recipes or in iced lattes, espresso drinks, or brushed over cake to add moisture.
Notes
- You can adjust the ratio if desired. A 2 to 1 ratio of sugar to water creates a rich syrup while using half the amount of sugar to water makes a lighter syrup. Rich syrups may last up to 3 months in the fridge.
- Try making the syrup using brown sugar for a homemade brown sugar simple syrup, which has toasty molasses notes. You can also make fruity syrups like my blueberry simple syrup or blackberry simple syrup.
- This recipe is perfect for cocktails. Use anytime a recipe calls for simple syrup. You can also use it to sweeten homemade lemonades like my blueberry lemonade.
- Discard any simple syrup if it gets discolored, cloudy, or has any black dots along the edges of the bottle.
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
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