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If you have ever stirred sugar into an iced drink and watched it sink to the bottom in a gritty layer, you already know why simple syrup exists. It is sugar that has been dissolved in water so it blends instantly into cold drinks. It is also the base of coffee shop syrups, cocktails, and mocktails, and it takes five minutes to make.
What Is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is nothing more than equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves. Bartenders and baristas have used it for generations, and you can read a short background on Wikipedia's simple syrup page.
Basic Simple Syrup Recipe
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium, stirring, until the sugar completely dissolves. It does not need to boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Pour it into a clean, sealed bottle or jar.
That is it. This makes about 1 1/4 cups of syrup.
Rich Simple Syrup (2:1)
Use 2 parts sugar to 1 part water for a thicker, sweeter syrup. It lasts longer and adds less water to your drink, which is useful for cocktails and strong coffee.
Hot vs. No-Heat Method
If you do not want to use the stove, shake equal parts hot tap water and sugar in a jar until dissolved. It takes a bit more shaking but works well for small batches.
5 Flavored Syrups to Try
1. Vanilla syrup. After removing the syrup from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (or simmer a split vanilla bean in the syrup for 10 minutes). Great for lattes and iced coffee.
2. Cinnamon syrup. Simmer 2 cinnamon sticks in the syrup for 10 minutes, then remove. Perfect for fall drinks and hot chocolate.
3. Mint syrup. Add a handful of fresh mint to the hot syrup, steep for 15 minutes, then strain. Ideal for mojitos and iced tea.
4. Ginger syrup. Add 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh ginger to the pan, simmer for 10 minutes, steep until cool, and strain. Use in lemonade, tea, and mocktails.
5. Brown sugar syrup. Swap white sugar for brown sugar. It has a deeper caramel flavor that is wonderful in iced lattes.
You can also make lavender, rosemary, citrus peel, or berry syrups using the same steeping method.
How to Store Simple Syrup
Keep syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator. A basic 1:1 syrup usually stays good for about 3 to 4 weeks, while a 2:1 syrup lasts longer. Flavored syrups made with fresh herbs or fruit are best within 1 to 2 weeks. If it looks cloudy, grows mold, or smells off, throw it away. Adding a tablespoon of vodka is a trick some people use to extend shelf life, but it is not necessary for home use.
Troubleshooting
- Syrup is cloudy: the sugar may not have fully dissolved, or tap water minerals are the cause. Try filtered water.
- Syrup crystallized: too much sugar or too much boiling. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
- Syrup tastes burnt: the heat was too high. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Syrup is too thick: add a tablespoon of water at a time while warm.
Using Syrup in Your Drinks
- 1 to 2 tablespoons for a latte
- 1 tablespoon for a glass of iced tea or lemonade
- 2 teaspoons for a mojito or mocktail
Syrup is easy to overuse. If you are thinking about cutting down on sugar, the American Heart Association has guidance on added sugars that you may find useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of simple syrup? Yes, but they have their own flavors. You can also dilute honey with warm water (1:1) so it mixes into cold drinks more easily.
Can I use sugar substitutes? Some dissolve well, though results vary by product. Follow the package instructions.
Why make my own instead of buying? It is cheaper, has no preservatives, and lets you control the flavor.
Do I need to boil it? No. Heat only until the sugar dissolves.
Final Thoughts
A small bottle of homemade simple syrup in the fridge is one of the easiest upgrades you can make to your drinks. Start with the basic recipe, then experiment with flavors that match your favorite recipes.
