Simple Syrup

Prepping a recipe that calls for simple syrup? Your grocery store will likely stock bottled simple syrup, but it will generally have stabilizers and preservatives. Not to mention you’ll end up spending a pretty penny on it. If you’re interested in keeping your syrups as, well, simple as possible (and basically free!), homemade is the way to go. All you need is water and sugar, and you can make as much or as little of this simple syrup recipe as needed.

What is simple syrup?

Simple syrup is basically liquid sugar that is used to sweeten both hot and cold drinks (especially cold drinks, so you don’t have to deal with granulated sugar that stubbornly refuses to dissolve). It’s often stirred into mixed drinks and other iced beverages like homemade lemonade.

How to Make Simple Syrup

To make simple syrup, boil together equal parts water and sugar, then turn the heat down to a simmer and let the sugar completely dissolve. Let the simple syrup cool to room temperature, then bottle and refrigerate it. That’s it!

Simple Syrup Ingredients

• Water: Feel free to use good tap water or purified water. It doesn’t really matter which water you use since it will reach a boiling point anyway.
• Granulated sugar: Basic granulated sugar is best in a recipe for simple syrup. You can use other types of sugar, too, for more nuanced flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the sugar and water

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In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.

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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Step 2: Simmer

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Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until the sugar has completely dissolved, three to five minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cool and store

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Remove the saucepan from the heat, and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.

Transfer the simple syrup to a container with a tight-fitting lid. Store the simple syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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Simple Syrup Variations

The best way to flavor simple syrup is by infusing ingredients into the syrup. To infuse simple syrup, remove the saucepan from the heat source once the sugar has dissolved. Place your desired flavorings, like herbs or fruit, into the pan and cover. Once the syrup has cooled completely, remove the added ingredients. That’s it! Here are a few flavoring ideas to get your started:

• Infuse it with vanilla or extracts: Split a vanilla bean pod in two and add it into the syrup. I love the vanilla bean flecks it leaves behind—it’s so pretty in a cocktail. You could also flavor the syrup with vanilla extract, or any other extract, like lemon, orange, almond or peppermint.
• Don’t be shy with spices: Break out whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, anise stars, pink peppercorns, allspice or cardamom pods and infuse them into the syrup. These warming spices create a simple syrup that’s best for fall cocktails.
• Play with herbs: Fresh, whole herbs like thyme, mint, rosemary, sage and even basil infuse earthy, bright and herbaceous flavors into the simple syrup.
• Add fruits or veggies to the mix: Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cucumbers, jalapenos, ginger, apples and pears can all be steeped into simple syrup. Or, go the simple route with citrus zest—from an orange, grapefruit, lime, or lemon.
• Introduce a floral element: I love infusing unexpected ingredients into simple syrups, and edible flowers are one of the best ways to do it. Place dried flowers like lavender, rose petals, chamomile or hibiscus in a cheesecloth or in a reusable tea steeper so you’re not tediously fishing out small flowers.

How to Store Simple Syrup

To store simple syrup, let it cool to room temperature, then pour it into an airtight glass container and place it in the refrigerator. Basic, unflavored simple syrup will last about two weeks.

Can you freeze simple syrup?

Yes, you can freeze simple syrup. Once it has cooled to room temperature, pour the syrup into an airtight container, leaving about an inch of headspace. Simple syrup can be frozen for up to three months and just needs to thaw in the fridge overnight before it can be used.

Simple Syrup Tips

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How should you use simple syrup?

Simple syrup is mainly used to sweeten cocktails, mocktails or basic drinks like lemonade, coffee or iced lattes. For some cocktail recipes that use simple syrup, try out a big batch of our wintery cranberry-orange sangria, these summery blueberry mojitos, a classic whiskey sour or an easy and light gimlet.

Bakers use simple syrup to create moist layer cakes, too. Brush simple syrup over each cooled layer, allowing the liquid to soak into the sponge and add the perfect amount of extra moisture.

Can I use a different type of sugar to make simple syrup?

Yes, you can use a different type of sugar to make simple syrup. Use brown sugar to give a slight molasses flavor to the syrup or demerara sugar for a caramel-y taste. Honey can be used in place of either all or half of the sugar. When going the sugar-free route, follow the same process with Stevia; just know that your “syrup” will be much thinner—more watery than syrupy.

How can I make my simple syrup thicker?

You can make a richer syrup using a 2-1 ratio of sugar to water, and the same process as described in the directions.