Can you make simple syrup without heating?

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.

How long does simple syrup last?

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.

How do you know when homemade simple syrup goes bad?

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.

Can I use brown sugar or honey instead?

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.

Can you freeze simple syrup?

Yes. Freeze in ice cube trays then pop cubes into drinks or thaw smaller portions as needed.

Simple Syrup Recipe - The Real Recipes

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

Units Scale

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

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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