Every home cook (or bartender) needs to know how to make simple syrup! It’s an easy way to sweeten everything from coffee to desserts.

Take your summer beverage game to the next level and keep this simple syrup recipe to sweeten cocktails, pitchers of iced tea and lemonade, and all kinds of desserts!

Simple Syrup in a jar

What is Simple Syrup?

  • Many drink recipes call for simple syrup which is basically sugar dissolved in water. It’s a liquid sweetener that takes minutes to make and has multiple applications!
  • This recipe uses a 1:1 ratio but for a rich simple syrup, use a 2:1 ratio (2 parts sugar to 1 part water).
  • A cup of tea, a whiskey sour, margarita, or mojitos (my specialty!) can be sweetened with simple syrup.
  • Make signature syrups by experimenting with different sweet, sour, or savory flavors of herbs, spices, and florals like lavender and rose.
  • Add a pop of flavor to cakes, muffins, and pancakes, or drizzle over diced fresh fruit and serve in cups for portable, kid-friendly snacks!
Ingredients for Simple Syrup

Ingredients/Variations

2 Ingredients – Water and granulated sugar are all that are needed. Other sugars like demerara sugar or agave can be used (brown sugar works but will change the color).

We use equal parts sugar and water but you can add extra sugar to make a sweeter syrup.

Variations

Sugar Free Simple Syrup – Sweeteners can be used in place of sugar in this recipe. Store as directed in the recipe below.

Flavors – Try any of the following to change the flavors.

  • Extracts – Vanilla, mint, lemon, and orange extracts can be infused in simple syrup once it’s been poured into a storage container.
  • Citrus – Add a few slices of citrus peels (like lemon or lime) or juice.
  • Spices & Herbs – Cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, rosemary, basil, cardamom, jalapenos, ginger or chiles can be added.

Here are some inspiring drink ideas that use simple syrup! Try some classic mojitos, lemondrop martinis, or a French 75. A quick dessert that everyone loves is easy fresh fruit salad.

How to Make Simple Syrup

This easy recipe is a kitchen staple and it’s so easy to make:

  1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat (per the recipe below).
  2. Bring to a boil. Simmer while stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Allow to cool and pour into a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (a mason jar works great).

Cool before using in drinks or cocktails.

Storing Simple Syrup

Keep simple syrup in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator.

Simple Syrup in a glass container

How Long Does It Last?

Simple syrup can be refrigerated for up to 4 weeks and should be discarded if the liquid becomes cloudy as it means potentially harmful bacteria are present. For best tasting results, make in small batches. Freeze simple syrup in ice cube trays then transfer to a zippered bag and pop out what you need for ice tea, cocktails, even sparkling water!

What to Use Simple Syrup For?

Simple syrup can be used in so many ways.

Did you make this Simple Syrup? Leave us a rating and a comment below!

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Simple Syrup in a jar
5 from 9 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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How to Make Simple Syrup

Combine water and sugar to create this simple syrup used for cakes, cocktails and other desserts!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 cups
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Ingredients  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water

Instructions 

  • Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan.
  • Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves completely.
  • Cool and pour into a container or mason jar. Refrigerate for up to 4 weeks.
5 from 9 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 387 | Carbohydrates: 100g | Sodium: 7mg | Sugar: 100g

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Beverage, Dessert
Cuisine American
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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

    1. Hi Marilyn, you can but the ratio of water to sweetener will be different. Maybe another reader can offer some guidance on proper ratios.

  1. I heard about simple serves for a long time that never made one I tried it today with that lemonade recipe and it was great my whole family loved it thank you so much